Demonstrations in Belarus continue against President Alexander Lukashenko.A 73-year-old woman has now taken centre stage in the path of this protest. Her name is Nina Baginskaya. Facing regular detaintion by the police she is marching in support with the opposition.

Belarus protest: 73-year-old woman takes centre stage

Poland on Thursday proposed an EU stabilisation fund for Belarus worth at least $1.2 billion, as a top opposition leader prepared to meet EU foreign ministers in Brussels.

Warsaw's call for financial support comes days after Russian President Vladimir Putin backed embattled Belarusian strongman Alexander Lukashenko and promised a $1.5 billion loan.

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Morawiecki, whose call for a “Marshall Plan” alluded to Europe’s reconstruction after World War Two, said the financial assistance forms part of the support package for Belarus which he will propose at the next EU summit on September&nbsp;24-25.

Lithuania and Poland’s partners in the Visegrad Four grouping, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia,&nbsp;support the plan, Morawiecki said.

"The fund should really be significant... so at least a billion euros at this stage," he said at a joint press conference with his Lithuanian counterpart in Vilnius.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-dont-recognise-lukashenko-as-legitimate-president-european-union-328038" hreflang="en">We don't recognise Lukashenko as legitimate president: European Union</a>

International Monetary Fund (IMF) could also contribute the fund, meant to prop up Belarus currency, stabilize its economy and allow the country to borrow on its own, Morawiecki said.

The plan also includes an opening of EU markets to Belarus businesses and easier visas to its citizens, to make Belarus economy less reliant on cheap energy from Russia, he said.

The proposal comes after weeks of unprecedented protests against Lukashenko's 26-year rule that have been met with a violent crackdown.

Journalists have also been targeted and on Thursday a number of independent Belarusian media ran with blank spaces instead of images on Thursday to protest the jailing of two photographers for 11 days for covering protests.

"We are demanding that pressure on journalists be halted," said tut.by, a top independent Belarusian outlet. "We will fight for our rights."

The protests followed a presidential election on August 9 in which Lukashenko and his rival Svetlana Tikhanovskaya both claimed victory.

Poland on Thursday proposed an EU stabilisation fund for Belarus worth at least $1.2 billion, as a top opposition leader prepared to meet EU foreign ministers in Brussels.

Poland on Thursday proposed an EU stabilisation fund for Belarus worth at least $1.2 billion, as a top opposition leader prepared to meet EU foreign ministers in Brussels. Warsaw's call for financial support comes days after Russian President Vladimir Putin backed embattled Belarusian strongman Alexander Lukashenko and promised a $1.5 billion loan. Morawiecki, whose call for a “Marshall Plan” alluded to Europe’s reconstruction after World War Two, said the financial assistance forms part of the support package for Belarus which he will propose at the next EU summit on September 24-25. Lithuania and Poland’s partners in the Visegrad Four grouping, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia, support the plan, Morawiecki said. "The fund should really be significant... so at least a billion euros at this stage," he said at a joint press conference with his Lithuanian counterpart in Vilnius. Also read: We don't recognise Lukashenko as legitimate president: European Union International Monetary Fund (IMF) could also contribute the fund, meant to prop up Belarus currency, stabilize its economy and allow the country to borrow on its own, Morawiecki said. The plan also includes an opening of EU markets to Belarus businesses and easier visas to its citizens, to make Belarus economy less reliant on cheap energy from Russia, he said. The proposal comes after weeks of unprecedented protests against Lukashenko's 26-year rule that have been met with a violent crackdown. Journalists have also been targeted and on Thursday a number of independent Belarusian media ran with blank spaces instead of images on Thursday to protest the jailing of two photographers for 11 days for covering protests. "We are demanding that pressure on journalists be halted," said tut.by, a top independent Belarusian outlet. "We will fight for our rights." The protests followed a presidential election on August 9 in which Lukashenko and his rival Svetlana Tikhanovskaya both claimed victory.

'New Marshall Plan': Poland proposes EU fund for Belarus worth $1.2 billion

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarus strongman Alexander Lukashenko, who is facing the largest protests of his rule, will discuss plans to further integrate their countries on Monday, the Kremlin said.

Lukashenko's visit will be the first to Russia by the Belarusian leader since protests broke out over his disputed election win last month.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belarus-protest-leader-says-she-was-threatened-with-expulsion-alive-or-in-bits-326689" hreflang="en">Belarus protest leader says she was threatened with expulsion 'alive or in bits'</a>

In a statement, the Kremlin said on Friday the two leaders would meet in the Black Sea resort of Sochi to discuss further integration plans as well as key trade and energy projects.

"Key issues of the further development of Russian-Belarusian strategic partnership and alliance are planned to be discussed," the Kremlin said.

Putin has been keen to unify Russia and Belarus, and Moscow has accompanied its recent offers of military and economic aid with calls for tighter integration.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belarus-opposition-leader-urges-foreign-countries-to-mediate-while-lukashenko-calls-the-protests-foreign-influence-326377" hreflang="en">Belarus: Opposition leader urges foreign countries to mediate, while Lukashenko calls the protests 'foreign influence'</a>

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said there was no plan for the leaders to hold a news conference or sign any documents.&nbsp;

Lukashenko said last week that during his talks with Putin he planned to "dot all the i's on issues that are very sensitive and delicate for the two states".

Lukashenko, in power for 26 years, has vowed that he will not give up power to the opposition, which claims its candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya was the rightful winner of the August 9 polls. She has taken shelter in EU member Lithuania after coming under official pressure.

Lukashenko, 66, has had a volatile relationship with Moscow, playing it off against the European Union and ruling out an outright unification with Russia.

But with Western pressure against Lukashenko mounting, his options are now limited. Since mass demonstrations against him began he has sought support from Putin, with regular phone calls between the leaders.&nbsp;

Lukashenko has cracked down on the protest movement with thousands detained and those held in custody giving accounts of police violence and torture. Several people have died in the crackdown.

Putin swiftly congratulated Lukashenko on his victory and raised the possibility of intervening militarily.

The opposition formed a Coordination Council to organise a handover of power but the Belarusian authorities have detained senior members and pressured them to leave the country.

More than 100,000 people are estimated to have taken to&nbsp;the streets of the Belarusian capital Minsk during rallies over the past four weekends, and a new protest is planned for Sunday.

Historically Russians and Belarusians have enjoyed good relations and members of the opposition say the protests are not aimed against Russia.&nbsp;

In an address to Russians this week, Tikhanovskaya said it was important not to allow politicians and propaganda to "poison" ties.

Belarus, an ex-Soviet state sandwiched between Russia and the European Union, has for years relied on Moscow for cheap oil and loans.&nbsp;

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarus strongman Alexander Lukashenko, who is facing the largest protests of his rule, will discuss plans to further integrate their countries on Monday, the Kremlin said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarus strongman Alexander Lukashenko, who is facing the largest protests of his rule, will discuss plans to further integrate their countries on Monday, the Kremlin said. Lukashenko's visit will be the first to Russia by the Belarusian leader since protests broke out over his disputed election win last month. Also read: Belarus protest leader says she was threatened with expulsion 'alive or in bits' In a statement, the Kremlin said on Friday the two leaders would meet in the Black Sea resort of Sochi to discuss further integration plans as well as key trade and energy projects. "Key issues of the further development of Russian-Belarusian strategic partnership and alliance are planned to be discussed," the Kremlin said. Putin has been keen to unify Russia and Belarus, and Moscow has accompanied its recent offers of military and economic aid with calls for tighter integration. Also read: Belarus: Opposition leader urges foreign countries to mediate, while Lukashenko calls the protests 'foreign influence' Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said there was no plan for the leaders to hold a news conference or sign any documents. Lukashenko said last week that during his talks with Putin he planned to "dot all the i's on issues that are very sensitive and delicate for the two states". Lukashenko, in power for 26 years, has vowed that he will not give up power to the opposition, which claims its candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya was the rightful winner of the August 9 polls. She has taken shelter in EU member Lithuania after coming under official pressure. Lukashenko, 66, has had a volatile relationship with Moscow, playing it off against the European Union and ruling out an outright unification with Russia. But with Western pressure against Lukashenko mounting, his options are now limited. Since mass demonstrations against him began he has sought support from Putin, with regular phone calls between the leaders. Lukashenko has cracked down on the protest movement with thousands detained and those held in custody giving accounts of police violence and torture. Several people have died in the crackdown. Putin swiftly congratulated Lukashenko on his victory and raised the possibility of intervening militarily. The opposition formed a Coordination Council to organise a handover of power but the Belarusian authorities have detained senior members and pressured them to leave the country. More than 100,000 people are estimated to have taken to the streets of the Belarusian capital Minsk during rallies over the past four weekends, and a new protest is planned for Sunday. Historically Russians and Belarusians have enjoyed good relations and members of the opposition say the protests are not aimed against Russia. In an address to Russians this week, Tikhanovskaya said it was important not to allow politicians and propaganda to "poison" ties. Belarus, an ex-Soviet state sandwiched between Russia and the European Union, has for years relied on Moscow for cheap oil and loans.

Putin and Lukashenko to discuss 'integration' amid Belarus protests

Belarus opposition politician Maria Kolesnikova said security officers put a bag over her head and threatened to kill her when they tried to forcibly deport her to Ukraine earlier this week, according to a complaint filed by her lawyer on Thursday.

Kolesnikova, one of the most prominent leaders of month-long protests against the re-election of President Alexander Lukashenko, prevented the attempt to expel her by tearing up her passport.

She has emerged as a hero for the protest movement trying to bring down the curtain on Lukashenko's 26-year rule, and a chief target for the authorities who have detained her over accusations of an illegal attempt to seize power in the former Soviet republic.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/we-come-in-peace-belarusian-women-dressed-in-white-protest-against-corrupt-leadership-321060">We come in peace: Belarusian women dressed in white protest against corrupt leadership</a>

She said in her statement that she had genuinely feared for her life during the failed deportation attempt.

"In particular it was stated that if I did not voluntarily leave the Republic of Belarus, I would be taken out anyway, alive or in bits. There were also threats to imprison me for up to 25 years," Kolesnikova said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belarusian-protest-leader-disappears-after-being-detained-by-masked-men-325847">Belarusian protest leader disappears after being detained by masked men</a>

She was told there would be problems for her while she was held under guard or in jail.

"The persons indicated (security officers) uttered threats to my life and health, which I took to be real," she said.

Her lawyer Lyudmila Kazak filed a criminal complaint against Belarusian authorities including the KGB security police, for kidnap, illegal detention and threats to commit murder.

The complaint was submitted to the state Investigative Committee. Asked for comment, a representative of the Committee, Sergei Kabakovich, said: "At the present moment I have no information about this."

Kolesnikova, who remains jailed in the Belarusian capital of Minsk, is accused of undermining national security as part of a criminal probe against senior members of the opposition Coordination Council. She faces up to five years in prison, if convicted.

All of the council's senior members except for Nobel Prize-winning writer Svetlana Alexievich have been jailed or forcibly expelled from the country. Unidentified people attempted Wednesday to enter Alexievich's apartment in Minsk. Diplomats from several European Union nations gathered there to prevent her detention.

Lukashenko denies rigging the August&nbsp;9 election, which official results said he won by a landslide, and has cracked down hard on protesters demanding his resignation. He has refused to talk to the opposition, saying it is bent on wrecking the country.

Inaugurating a new chief prosecutor on Thursday, Lukashenko reiterated his uncompromising line.

"I want to tell you like a man... People often reproach me: 'He won't give up power.' They're right to reproach me. The people didn't elect me for this," he said.

"Power is not given to be taken, thrown and given away," he added, saying the country must not return to the chaos of the 1990s following the break-up of the Soviet Union.

In the month since the disputed election, nearly all the opposition's key leaders have been arrested, fled, or been forced to leave the country.

Writer Svetlana Alexievich, winner of the 2015 Nobel Prize in Literature, accused the authorities on Wednesday of terrorising their own people. Diplomats from seven European countries came to her flat, in part to help protect her.

Lukashenko, in power since 1994, retains the support of his key ally, Russian President Vladimir Putin. The West has so far been cautious about taking firm action that might provoke a Russian intervention, although the EU is drawing up a list of Belarusian officials to target with sanctions.

Belarus opposition politician Maria Kolesnikova said security officers put a bag over her head and threatened to kill her when they tried to forcibly deport her to Ukraine earlier this week, according to a complaint filed by her lawyer on Thursday.

Belarus opposition politician Maria Kolesnikova said security officers put a bag over her head and threatened to kill her when they tried to forcibly deport her to Ukraine earlier this week, according to a complaint filed by her lawyer on Thursday. Kolesnikova, one of the most prominent leaders of month-long protests against the re-election of President Alexander Lukashenko, prevented the attempt to expel her by tearing up her passport. She has emerged as a hero for the protest movement trying to bring down the curtain on Lukashenko's 26-year rule, and a chief target for the authorities who have detained her over accusations of an illegal attempt to seize power in the former Soviet republic. Also see: We come in peace: Belarusian women dressed in white protest against corrupt leadership She said in her statement that she had genuinely feared for her life during the failed deportation attempt. "In particular it was stated that if I did not voluntarily leave the Republic of Belarus, I would be taken out anyway, alive or in bits. There were also threats to imprison me for up to 25 years," Kolesnikova said. Also read: Belarusian protest leader disappears after being detained by masked men She was told there would be problems for her while she was held under guard or in jail. "The persons indicated (security officers) uttered threats to my life and health, which I took to be real," she said. Her lawyer Lyudmila Kazak filed a criminal complaint against Belarusian authorities including the KGB security police, for kidnap, illegal detention and threats to commit murder. The complaint was submitted to the state Investigative Committee. Asked for comment, a representative of the Committee, Sergei Kabakovich, said: "At the present moment I have no information about this." Kolesnikova, who remains jailed in the Belarusian capital of Minsk, is accused of undermining national security as part of a criminal probe against senior members of the opposition Coordination Council. She faces up to five years in prison, if convicted. All of the council's senior members except for Nobel Prize-winning writer Svetlana Alexievich have been jailed or forcibly expelled from the country. Unidentified people attempted Wednesday to enter Alexievich's apartment in Minsk. Diplomats from several European Union nations gathered there to prevent her detention. Lukashenko denies rigging the August 9 election, which official results said he won by a landslide, and has cracked down hard on protesters demanding his resignation. He has refused to talk to the opposition, saying it is bent on wrecking the country. Inaugurating a new chief prosecutor on Thursday, Lukashenko reiterated his uncompromising line. "I want to tell you like a man... People often reproach me: 'He won't give up power.' They're right to reproach me. The people didn't elect me for this," he said. "Power is not given to be taken, thrown and given away," he added, saying the country must not return to the chaos of the 1990s following the break-up of the Soviet Union. In the month since the disputed election, nearly all the opposition's key leaders have been arrested, fled, or been forced to leave the country. Writer Svetlana Alexievich, winner of the 2015 Nobel Prize in Literature, accused the authorities on Wednesday of terrorising their own people. Diplomats from seven European countries came to her flat, in part to help protect her. Lukashenko, in power since 1994, retains the support of his key ally, Russian President Vladimir Putin. The West has so far been cautious about taking firm action that might provoke a Russian intervention, although the EU is drawing up a list of Belarusian officials to target with sanctions.

Belarus protest leader says she was threatened with expulsion 'alive or in bits'

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin&nbsp;will visit Belarus on Thursday, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Wednesday, after weeks of protests in Minsk against a disputed presidential election.

"Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin's visit to Minsk will take place literally tomorrow," Lavrov said at the start of a meeting with his Belarusian counterpart in Moscow, Russian news agencies reported.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-president-putin-vows-military-support-for-belarus-lukashenko-323552">Russian President Putin vows military support for Belarus' Lukashenko</a>

Belarus&nbsp;is Russia's closest ally among former Soviet states, and its territory is integral to Moscow's European defence strategy.&nbsp;The two are also joined by a treaty that, at least on paper, proclaims a "union state," which Putin has sought to develop into more of a political and economic reality.

Russian President Vladimir Putin last week said he had set up a reserve police force to support Lukashenko if necessary, but he saw no need to deploy them for now.

Russia has signalled its willingness to prop up Lukashenko's government and the two countries are discussing the refinancing of&nbsp;Belarusian debt.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-protests-in-belarus-as-opposition-squabbles-us-weighs-sanctions-324702" hreflang="en">New protests in Belarus as opposition squabbles, US weighs sanctions</a>

Thousands of students boycotted the start of the school year in&nbsp;Belarus&nbsp;on Tuesday and signs of a possible rift appeared in an opposition alliance that has led weeks of rallies and protests against veteran President Alexander Lukashenko.

Lukashenko faces the biggest challenge of his 26-year rule since claiming victory in an election last month that opponents say was rigged. Lukashenko denies electoral fraud and shows no sign of backing down despite the threat of Western sanctions.

The United States is considering sanctions on seven individuals it says were involved in falsifying the election and in violence against protesters, a senior US&nbsp;State Department official said.

"It is a minimal effort to ... not just name and shame but to show that when people both steal elections and commit violence against peaceful protesters exercising fundamental freedoms of assembly and speech that there needs to be some accountability," the official said.

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin will visit Belarus on Thursday, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Wednesday, after weeks of protests in Minsk against a disputed presidential election.

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin will visit Belarus on Thursday, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Wednesday, after weeks of protests in Minsk against a disputed presidential election. "Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin's visit to Minsk will take place literally tomorrow," Lavrov said at the start of a meeting with his Belarusian counterpart in Moscow, Russian news agencies reported. Also read: Russian President Putin vows military support for Belarus' Lukashenko Belarus is Russia's closest ally among former Soviet states, and its territory is integral to Moscow's European defence strategy. The two are also joined by a treaty that, at least on paper, proclaims a "union state," which Putin has sought to develop into more of a political and economic reality. Russian President Vladimir Putin last week said he had set up a reserve police force to support Lukashenko if necessary, but he saw no need to deploy them for now. Russia has signalled its willingness to prop up Lukashenko's government and the two countries are discussing the refinancing of Belarusian debt. Also read: New protests in Belarus as opposition squabbles, US weighs sanctions Thousands of students boycotted the start of the school year in Belarus on Tuesday and signs of a possible rift appeared in an opposition alliance that has led weeks of rallies and protests against veteran President Alexander Lukashenko. Lukashenko faces the biggest challenge of his 26-year rule since claiming victory in an election last month that opponents say was rigged. Lukashenko denies electoral fraud and shows no sign of backing down despite the threat of Western sanctions. The United States is considering sanctions on seven individuals it says were involved in falsifying the election and in violence against protesters, a senior US State Department official said. "It is a minimal effort to ... not just name and shame but to show that when people both steal elections and commit violence against peaceful protesters exercising fundamental freedoms of assembly and speech that there needs to be some accountability," the official said.

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin to visit Belarus on September 3

Thousands of students boycotted the start of the school year in&nbsp;Belarus&nbsp;on Tuesday and signs of a possible rift appeared in an opposition alliance that has led weeks of rallies and protests against veteran President Alexander Lukashenko.

Lukashenko faces the biggest challenge of his 26-year rule since claiming victory in an election last month that opponents say was rigged. Lukashenko denies electoral fraud and shows no sign of backing down despite the threat of Western sanctions.

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The United States is considering sanctions on seven individuals it says were involved in falsifying the election and in violence against protesters, a senior US&nbsp;State Department official said.

"It is a minimal effort to ... not just name and shame but to show that when people both steal elections and commit violence against peaceful protesters exercising fundamental freedoms of assembly and speech that there needs to be some accountability," the official said.

In a rare public reproach, Lukashenko's main challenger, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, issued a statement criticising the strategy of another opposition group with which she formed an alliance during the election campaign.

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Tsikhanouskaya fled into exile two days after the Aug. 9 election. From her new base in Lithuania, she declared herself the rightful winner and launched an opposition council with the stated aim of ensuring a peaceful transfer of power.

Tsikhanouskaya said the council "should not be dominated by any political party", after opposition leader Maria Kolesnikova and the team of jailed presidential candidate Viktor Babariko announced the creation of a party called 'Together'.

The declared aim of Babariko and Kolesnikova's camp to enact constitutional reform was a distraction from the goal of removing Lukashenko and holding new elections, Tsikhanouskaya said.

Kolesnikova's camp later said it did not wish to disrupt the council's work, and that it backed Tsikhanouskaya's call for new elections and her electoral programme.

"Not a single&nbsp;Belarusian doubts Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya's victory, and that her victory was stolen," it said.

'Eventful summer is over' 
 
Many state-run schools were used as polling stations and teachers helped count ballots in the election, which the election commission said Lukashenko won with an 80 per cent&nbsp;vote share.

Answering a call from Tsikhanouskaya, students waving opposition flags staged marches and collected signatures outside several colleges in Minsk calling for Lukashenko to step down.

Video footage showed students, some wearing rucksacks, being dragged away from a crowd and detained by masked security forces. Police also detained seven journalists covering the protests for what the government said were document checks.

There were also new protests at two of the large industrial plants that underpin Lukashenko's Soviet-style economic model, the Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant and the Minsk Tractor Works, local media reported. Workers at the&nbsp;Belarus&nbsp;Hi-Tech Park on the outskirts of the capital also protested.

Thousands of people were detained after the election and United Nations human rights investigators said on Tuesday they had received reports of hundreds of cases of torture, beatings and mistreatment.

The government has denied abusing detainees.

Lukashenko sought to draw a line under the protests as he visited a vocational training college.

"The president emphasized that the eventful summer is over," the official Belta news agency said.

Lukashenko has described the protesters as "rats" backed from abroad. On Monday, a third member of the opposition council was detained.

Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia has imposed travel bans on Lukashenko and 29 other officials. The European Union has been working on a list of individuals to target with sanctions but is expected to exclude Lukashenko.

Belarus&nbsp;is Russia's closest ally among former Soviet states, and its territory is integral to Moscow's European defence strategy.

Russia has signalled its willingness to prop up Lukashenko's government and the two countries are discussing the refinancing of&nbsp;Belarusian debt, Interfax news agency reported.

Thousands of students boycotted the start of the school year in Belarus on Tuesday and signs of a possible rift appeared in an opposition alliance that has led weeks of rallies and protests against veteran President Alexander Lukashenko.

Thousands of students boycotted the start of the school year in Belarus on Tuesday and signs of a possible rift appeared in an opposition alliance that has led weeks of rallies and protests against veteran President Alexander Lukashenko. Lukashenko faces the biggest challenge of his 26-year rule since claiming victory in an election last month that opponents say was rigged. Lukashenko denies electoral fraud and shows no sign of backing down despite the threat of Western sanctions. The United States is considering sanctions on seven individuals it says were involved in falsifying the election and in violence against protesters, a senior US State Department official said. "It is a minimal effort to ... not just name and shame but to show that when people both steal elections and commit violence against peaceful protesters exercising fundamental freedoms of assembly and speech that there needs to be some accountability," the official said. In a rare public reproach, Lukashenko's main challenger, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, issued a statement criticising the strategy of another opposition group with which she formed an alliance during the election campaign. Tsikhanouskaya fled into exile two days after the Aug. 9 election. From her new base in Lithuania, she declared herself the rightful winner and launched an opposition council with the stated aim of ensuring a peaceful transfer of power. Tsikhanouskaya said the council "should not be dominated by any political party", after opposition leader Maria Kolesnikova and the team of jailed presidential candidate Viktor Babariko announced the creation of a party called 'Together'. The declared aim of Babariko and Kolesnikova's camp to enact constitutional reform was a distraction from the goal of removing Lukashenko and holding new elections, Tsikhanouskaya said. Kolesnikova's camp later said it did not wish to disrupt the council's work, and that it backed Tsikhanouskaya's call for new elections and her electoral programme. "Not a single Belarusian doubts Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya's victory, and that her victory was stolen," it said. 'Eventful summer is over' Many state-run schools were used as polling stations and teachers helped count ballots in the election, which the election commission said Lukashenko won with an 80 per cent vote share. Answering a call from Tsikhanouskaya, students waving opposition flags staged marches and collected signatures outside several colleges in Minsk calling for Lukashenko to step down. Video footage showed students, some wearing rucksacks, being dragged away from a crowd and detained by masked security forces. Police also detained seven journalists covering the protests for what the government said were document checks. There were also new protests at two of the large industrial plants that underpin Lukashenko's Soviet-style economic model, the Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant and the Minsk Tractor Works, local media reported. Workers at the Belarus Hi-Tech Park on the outskirts of the capital also protested. Thousands of people were detained after the election and United Nations human rights investigators said on Tuesday they had received reports of hundreds of cases of torture, beatings and mistreatment. The government has denied abusing detainees. Lukashenko sought to draw a line under the protests as he visited a vocational training college. "The president emphasized that the eventful summer is over," the official Belta news agency said. Lukashenko has described the protesters as "rats" backed from abroad. On Monday, a third member of the opposition council was detained. Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia has imposed travel bans on Lukashenko and 29 other officials. The European Union has been working on a list of individuals to target with sanctions but is expected to exclude Lukashenko. Belarus is Russia's closest ally among former Soviet states, and its territory is integral to Moscow's European defence strategy. Russia has signalled its willingness to prop up Lukashenko's government and the two countries are discussing the refinancing of Belarusian debt, Interfax news agency reported.

New protests in Belarus as opposition squabbles, US weighs sanctions

The political crisis in Belarus continues as protestors hit the streets against President Alexander Lukashenko. A country is witnessing a crackdown on journalists.

Video: Belarus cracks down on journalists

Russian President Vladimir Putin vowed military support for embattled Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko on Thursday, although it would not be deployed unless unrest there spun out of control.

The remarks were the strongest signal yet that Russia is prepared to use force if needed in Belarus, where mass demonstrations have taken place since an August&nbsp;9 election that the opposition says was rigged to prolong Lukashenko's 26-year rule.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/we-come-in-peace-belarusian-women-dressed-in-white-protest-against-corrupt-leadership-321060">We come in peace: Belarusian women dressed in white protest against corrupt leadership</a>

"We have of course certain obligations towards Belarus, and the question Lukashenko raised was whether we would provide the necessary help,"&nbsp;Putin&nbsp;told state television.

"I told him Russia would fulfil all its obligations. Alexander Grigorivich (Lukashenko) asked me to create a reserve police force and I have done that. But we agreed this would not be used unless the situation got out of control."

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The 65-year-old Belarusian strongman's relationship with Putin had soured ahead of the ballot because Minsk refused closer integration with Russia and even claimed Moscow had sent mercenaries across the border to organise riots.

The Belarusian opposition Coordination Council said Moscow's move to set up such force violated international law.

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said Russia should stay out of the crisis saying it was a "sovereign and independent state."

Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki meanwhile said any Russian intervention would be a breach of international law and the "human rights of Belarusian people, who should be free to decide their own fate".

But Putin also called on the authorities in Minsk and the opposition to "find a way out" of the crisis peacefully.&nbsp;

He conceded there were problems in Belarus, saying, "otherwise people wouldn't take to the streets".

The Russian leader's calls for calm came after the European Union and ambassadors of member states in Minsk condemned a crackdown on government critics seeking new elections and Lukashenko's&nbsp;resignation.

EU nations have also vowed to sanction individuals they say were involved in vote-rigging and the violent crackdown on protesters.

Russian President Vladimir Putin vowed military support for embattled Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko on Thursday, although it would not be deployed unless unrest there spun out of control.

Russian President Vladimir Putin vowed military support for embattled Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko on Thursday, although it would not be deployed unless unrest there spun out of control. The remarks were the strongest signal yet that Russia is prepared to use force if needed in Belarus, where mass demonstrations have taken place since an August 9 election that the opposition says was rigged to prolong Lukashenko's 26-year rule. Also see: We come in peace: Belarusian women dressed in white protest against corrupt leadership "We have of course certain obligations towards Belarus, and the question Lukashenko raised was whether we would provide the necessary help," Putin told state television. "I told him Russia would fulfil all its obligations. Alexander Grigorivich (Lukashenko) asked me to create a reserve police force and I have done that. But we agreed this would not be used unless the situation got out of control." The 65-year-old Belarusian strongman's relationship with Putin had soured ahead of the ballot because Minsk refused closer integration with Russia and even claimed Moscow had sent mercenaries across the border to organise riots. The Belarusian opposition Coordination Council said Moscow's move to set up such force violated international law. NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said Russia should stay out of the crisis saying it was a "sovereign and independent state." Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki meanwhile said any Russian intervention would be a breach of international law and the "human rights of Belarusian people, who should be free to decide their own fate". But Putin also called on the authorities in Minsk and the opposition to "find a way out" of the crisis peacefully. He conceded there were problems in Belarus, saying, "otherwise people wouldn't take to the streets". The Russian leader's calls for calm came after the European Union and ambassadors of member states in Minsk condemned a crackdown on government critics seeking new elections and Lukashenko's resignation. EU nations have also vowed to sanction individuals they say were involved in vote-rigging and the violent crackdown on protesters.

Russian President Putin vows military support for Belarus' Lukashenko

Belarusian strongman Alexander Lukashenko on Saturday ordered his defence minister to take "stringent measures" to defend the country's territorial integrity after mass protests erupted against his claim to election victory.&nbsp;

The 65-year-old authoritarian leader, who said he won a sixth presidential term with 80 percent of the vote in the August 9 ballot, made the comments during an inspection of military units in Grodno, near Belarus's border with Poland, according to the president's press service.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/thousands-stage-flower-protest-in-belarus-as-eu-weighs-sanctions-320218">Thousands stage flower protest in Belarus as EU weighs sanctions</a>

Lukashenko denounced recent mass protests, which he said were receiving support from Western countries, and ordered the army to defend western Belarus, which he described as "a pearl".

"It involves taking the most stringent measures to protect the territorial integrity of our country," Lukashenko said.

His visit comes ahead of large-scale military exercises planned in the Grodno region between August 28 and 31.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/water-cannons-tear-gas-stun-grenades-protesters-clash-with-belarus-police-after-election-results-319520">Water cannons, tear gas, stun grenades: Protesters clash with Belarus police after election results</a>

Opponents of Europe's longest serving leader have organised strikes and the largest demonstrations in the ex-Soviet country's recent history to protest his re-election and demand that he stand down.&nbsp;

The authorities have opened a criminal investigation into the opposition's Coordination Council, whose members are seeking new elections and a peaceful transition of power.

Lukashenko has rejected the idea of holding another ballot, dismissed calls to resign and accused the opposition of attempting to seize power. On Friday he vowed to "solve the problem" of the protest movement.

Exiled opposition leader and political newcomer, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya said this week that Belarusians would "never accept the current leadership again" after Lukashenko's crackdown on mass protests following the disputed election.

Belarusian strongman Alexander Lukashenko on Saturday ordered his defence minister to take "stringent measures" to defend the country's territorial integrity after mass protests erupted against his claim to election victory.

Belarusian strongman Alexander Lukashenko on Saturday ordered his defence minister to take "stringent measures" to defend the country's territorial integrity after mass protests erupted against his claim to election victory. The 65-year-old authoritarian leader, who said he won a sixth presidential term with 80 percent of the vote in the August 9 ballot, made the comments during an inspection of military units in Grodno, near Belarus's border with Poland, according to the president's press service. Also see: Thousands stage flower protest in Belarus as EU weighs sanctions Lukashenko denounced recent mass protests, which he said were receiving support from Western countries, and ordered the army to defend western Belarus, which he described as "a pearl". "It involves taking the most stringent measures to protect the territorial integrity of our country," Lukashenko said. His visit comes ahead of large-scale military exercises planned in the Grodno region between August 28 and 31. Also see: Water cannons, tear gas, stun grenades: Protesters clash with Belarus police after election results Opponents of Europe's longest serving leader have organised strikes and the largest demonstrations in the ex-Soviet country's recent history to protest his re-election and demand that he stand down. The authorities have opened a criminal investigation into the opposition's Coordination Council, whose members are seeking new elections and a peaceful transition of power. Lukashenko has rejected the idea of holding another ballot, dismissed calls to resign and accused the opposition of attempting to seize power. On Friday he vowed to "solve the problem" of the protest movement. Exiled opposition leader and political newcomer, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya said this week that Belarusians would "never accept the current leadership again" after Lukashenko's crackdown on mass protests following the disputed election.

Belarus crisis: Lukashenko orders army to defend 'territorial integrity'

President Vladimir Putin and the Russian Security Council agreed at a meeting on Friday that the Belarusian authorities and its people should enter into dialogue to resolve the political crisis.

Russia is a close ally of neighbouring Belarus where nationwide anti-government protests erupted earlier this month over election rigging allegations at a disputed vote.

Two leading members of a newly formed opposition council in the country were questioned&nbsp;in a criminal case that accuses the body of trying to seize power from&nbsp;Lukashenko.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/macron-offers-eu-mediation-with-russia-on-belarus-crisis-322006" hreflang="en">Macron offers EU mediation with Russia on Belarus crisis</a>

Dozens of supporters accompanied Maksim Znak and Sarhey Dyleuski as they arrived for questioning at the headquarters of the Investigative Committee.&nbsp;

The Coordinating Committee was launched this week with the self-described aim of negotiating a transfer of power amid the largest political crisis in Belarus since the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Lukashenko's main opponent, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, has fled to neighbouring Lithuania, where she has released a steady stream of video messages calling on her followers to rise up peacefully. On Friday she called for more workers to go on strike to protest against the election result.

Joined by a treaty that proclaims, on paper, a "union state" with a Soviet-style red flag, Russia and Belarus usually have no border controls, and are culturally, linguistically and economically intertwined. Putin has pushed hard to make the union state more of a political and economic reality.

Russia has repeatedly asked Lukashenko to let it open an air base in Belarus, something he has refused in the past.

Lukashenko, in power for 26 years, was declared the winner of an August&nbsp;9 presidential election, but tens of thousands of protesters have taken to the streets saying the election is rigged.

A police crackdown does not seem to have intimidated the protesters and opposition has spread to include strikes at state factories long seen as bastions of Lukashenko's support.

President Vladimir Putin and the Russian Security Council agreed at a meeting on Friday that the Belarusian authorities and its people should enter into dialogue to resolve the political crisis.

President Vladimir Putin and the Russian Security Council agreed at a meeting on Friday that the Belarusian authorities and its people should enter into dialogue to resolve the political crisis. Russia is a close ally of neighbouring Belarus where nationwide anti-government protests erupted earlier this month over election rigging allegations at a disputed vote. Two leading members of a newly formed opposition council in the country were questioned in a criminal case that accuses the body of trying to seize power from Lukashenko. Also read: Macron offers EU mediation with Russia on Belarus crisis Dozens of supporters accompanied Maksim Znak and Sarhey Dyleuski as they arrived for questioning at the headquarters of the Investigative Committee. The Coordinating Committee was launched this week with the self-described aim of negotiating a transfer of power amid the largest political crisis in Belarus since the collapse of the Soviet Union. Lukashenko's main opponent, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, has fled to neighbouring Lithuania, where she has released a steady stream of video messages calling on her followers to rise up peacefully. On Friday she called for more workers to go on strike to protest against the election result. Joined by a treaty that proclaims, on paper, a "union state" with a Soviet-style red flag, Russia and Belarus usually have no border controls, and are culturally, linguistically and economically intertwined. Putin has pushed hard to make the union state more of a political and economic reality. Russia has repeatedly asked Lukashenko to let it open an air base in Belarus, something he has refused in the past. Lukashenko, in power for 26 years, was declared the winner of an August 9 presidential election, but tens of thousands of protesters have taken to the streets saying the election is rigged. A police crackdown does not seem to have intimidated the protesters and opposition has spread to include strikes at state factories long seen as bastions of Lukashenko's support.

Russia urges dialogue between Belarusian authorities and citizens to resolve crisis

After 2,00,000 people took to the streets, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko has received support from Russia. The Kremlin is ready to back Lukashenko - by sending its military. But, Europe's last dictator is now promising a new constitution - ratified by a referendum.

Gravitas: Belarus Protest: Europe's last dictator promises a referendum

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