Sporadic clashes and accusations between Azerbaijan and Armenia over their lingering border war have left a question as to whether anything will stop the smouldering conflict. 

Lukashenko, under increasing pressure, orders all Belarus borders shut, citing "eternal threats".

The illicit business has boomed as bicycles become a market increasingly being filled with high-end models costing thousands of Euros.

Until now Russia was dependent on pipelines crossing Ukraine to pump natural gas to Europe, earning Kyiv $2 billion a year.