The Belarus government on Wednesday introduced the death penalty for "attempted" terrorist acts in the country.

President Alexander Lukashenko signed the law which is set to come into force within ten days. Belarus is the only country in Europe to carry out executions.

Belarus had witnessed large scale anti-government protests two years ago amid the re-election row. Lukashenko has been ruling the country for over two decades.

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Lukashenko had arrested several protesters along with prominent politicians. Svetlana Tikhanovskaya who had stood against the president was forced to flee the country post the election.

Last year Belarus had charged Tikhanovskaya in absentia for "preparing acts of terrorism as part of an organised group". Tikhanovskaya criticised Lukashenko's latest move calling it a "lawless regime". &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Belarus President Lukashenko says Ukraine war is dragging

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Lukashenko approved changes to the country's criminal code as the parliament backed the move. Reports claim some activists had disrupted railway lines in the country amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;

Belarus is a close ally of Russia. The two countries had conducted joint military drills ahead of the February 24 Russian invasion.

(With inputs from Agencies)

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The Belarus government on Wednesday introduced the death penalty for "attempted" terrorist acts in the country. President Alexander Lukashenko signed the law which is set to come into force within ten days.

The Belarus government on Wednesday introduced the death penalty for "attempted" terrorist acts in the country. President Alexander Lukashenko signed the law which is set to come into force within ten days. Belarus is the only country in Europe to carry out executions. Belarus had witnessed large scale anti-government protests two years ago amid the re-election row. Lukashenko has been ruling the country for over two decades. Also Read: Vladimir Putin says Russia will launch a lunar probe with ally Belarus Lukashenko had arrested several protesters along with prominent politicians. Svetlana Tikhanovskaya who had stood against the president was forced to flee the country post the election. Last year Belarus had charged Tikhanovskaya in absentia for "preparing acts of terrorism as part of an organised group". Tikhanovskaya criticised Lukashenko's latest move calling it a "lawless regime". Watch: Belarus President Lukashenko says Ukraine war is dragging Lukashenko approved changes to the country's criminal code as the parliament backed the move. Reports claim some activists had disrupted railway lines in the country amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Belarus is a close ally of Russia. The two countries had conducted joint military drills ahead of the February 24 Russian invasion. (With inputs from Agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Now, Belarus approves death penalty for 'attempted' terrorism

Latest satellite pictures show Russian troop deployment near Ukraine

Belarus defence ministry has said that Russia has sent Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jets for patrolling its border.

The two ex-Soviet nations are going to&nbsp;form a joint military training centre and&nbsp;fly joint missions.

The announcement comes a day ahead of a crucial summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko.

The two countries will also conduct military drills after two days. The European Union and NATO have already criticised the decision.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/direct-attack-european-union-accuses-belarus-of-using-migrants-as-political-weapon-406693">Also read |&nbsp;'Direct attack': European Union accuses Belarus of using migrants as political weapon</a>

Belarus has been increasingly isolated after Lukashenko's crackdown on protesters and the Ryanair fiasco in which a flight was diverted on an alleged bomb threat.

It has been at loggerheads with the West and has turned to traditional ally Russia for diplomatic and financial support.

Earlier, Minsk had said that Moscow ill provide it a huge military consignment including aircrafts, helicopters, and air defence systems.

Stopping short of a full merger, Belarus and Russia have signed a union agreement that calls for close political, economical, and military ties.

The Belarusian economy has been buttressed by Russia with cheap energy supplies and loans but ties between the two countries have often strained with Lukashenko scolding Moscow for trying to force him to relinquish control over prized economic assets and eventually abandon his country's independence.

Russia considers Belarus to be a buffer for security on its western flank against the European Union and NATO.

Belarus defence ministry has said that Russia has sent Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jets for patrolling its border. The two ex-Soviet nations are going to form a joint military training centre and fly joint missions.

Belarus defence ministry has said that Russia has sent Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jets for patrolling its border. The two ex-Soviet nations are going to form a joint military training centre and fly joint missions. The announcement comes a day ahead of a crucial summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko. The two countries will also conduct military drills after two days. The European Union and NATO have already criticised the decision. Also read | 'Direct attack': European Union accuses Belarus of using migrants as political weapon Belarus has been increasingly isolated after Lukashenko's crackdown on protesters and the Ryanair fiasco in which a flight was diverted on an alleged bomb threat. It has been at loggerheads with the West and has turned to traditional ally Russia for diplomatic and financial support. Earlier, Minsk had said that Moscow ill provide it a huge military consignment including aircrafts, helicopters, and air defence systems. Stopping short of a full merger, Belarus and Russia have signed a union agreement that calls for close political, economical, and military ties. The Belarusian economy has been buttressed by Russia with cheap energy supplies and loans but ties between the two countries have often strained with Lukashenko scolding Moscow for trying to force him to relinquish control over prized economic assets and eventually abandon his country's independence. Russia considers Belarus to be a buffer for security on its western flank against the European Union and NATO.

Russia sends Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jets to Belarus border ahead of Putin-Lukasenko summit

President Vladimir Putin has ordered Russia's government to help Belarus fight western sanctions imposed during Minsk's crackdown on political opponents, the Kremlin said on Thursday.

Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko travelled to Russia, a close ally, to hold talks with Russian leader and key ally Vladimir Putin&nbsp;as soaring tensions with the West have boosted his reliance on Moscow’s support.

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Lukashenko has been hit with a slew of sanctions by Western nations but they appear to have had a limited effect on Lukashenko who maintains backing from key creditor&nbsp;Russia.

"Support for Belarus against the backdrop of such stifling sanctions is on the agenda, and the government has been given instructions and it is working in this regard," said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.

Russia and Belarus have a union agreement that envisages close political, economic, and military ties but stops short of a full merger.

Russia has pumped billions of dollars into shoring up the Soviet-style, state-controlled economy of Belarus with cheap energy supplies and loans.

Before last year’s election and protests, Lukashenko often accused the Kremlin of trying to force him to relinquish control of prized economic assets and eventually abandon his country’s independence.&nbsp;

Faced now with tougher economic sanctions, the Belarusian leader emphasized a need to jointly counter Western pressure.

“We will deal with terrorism and all that, but the economy is the most important thing,” Lukashenko said, voicing hope that “we will resist that economic blow together with Russia” and adding that the West will not succeed in trying to “monopolise the international agenda and put pressure on us.”

Peskov said the presidents agreed during their five hours of talks that Belarus would receive Russia’s natural gas next year at this year’s prices, the Interfax news agency reported.

The two also discussed terms for new Russian loans and steps to increase cooperation in energy, taxes and customs.

(With inputs from agencies)

President Vladimir Putin has ordered Russia's government to help Belarus fight western sanctions imposed during Minsk's crackdown on political opponents, the Kremlin said on Thursday.

President Vladimir Putin has ordered Russia's government to help Belarus fight western sanctions imposed during Minsk's crackdown on political opponents, the Kremlin said on Thursday. Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko travelled to Russia, a close ally, to hold talks with Russian leader and key ally Vladimir Putin as soaring tensions with the West have boosted his reliance on Moscow’s support. Lukashenko has been hit with a slew of sanctions by Western nations but they appear to have had a limited effect on Lukashenko who maintains backing from key creditor Russia. "Support for Belarus against the backdrop of such stifling sanctions is on the agenda, and the government has been given instructions and it is working in this regard," said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. Russia and Belarus have a union agreement that envisages close political, economic, and military ties but stops short of a full merger. Russia has pumped billions of dollars into shoring up the Soviet-style, state-controlled economy of Belarus with cheap energy supplies and loans. Before last year’s election and protests, Lukashenko often accused the Kremlin of trying to force him to relinquish control of prized economic assets and eventually abandon his country’s independence. Faced now with tougher economic sanctions, the Belarusian leader emphasized a need to jointly counter Western pressure. “We will deal with terrorism and all that, but the economy is the most important thing,” Lukashenko said, voicing hope that “we will resist that economic blow together with Russia” and adding that the West will not succeed in trying to “monopolise the international agenda and put pressure on us.” Peskov said the presidents agreed during their five hours of talks that Belarus would receive Russia’s natural gas next year at this year’s prices, the Interfax news agency reported. The two also discussed terms for new Russian loans and steps to increase cooperation in energy, taxes and customs. (With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Vladimir Putin orders government to help Belarus fight western sanctions

Russian police have removed Belarusian opposition politician Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya from their wanted list at the initiative of the Belarusian authorities.

It comes as&nbsp;Putin&nbsp;and Biden are to meet at a villa in Geneva on Wednesday with tensions high over a long list of disputes, from cyberattacks and election meddling to human rights violations.

Tsikhanouskaya fled into exile last year after Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko launched a crackdown on protesters who accused him of rigging his 2020 re-election, a vote Tsikhanouskaya's supporters say she won.

She later appeared on Russia's wanted list, something Russia's Interior Ministry said had happened through a mechanism outlined in a regional bloc that both Russia and Belarus are members of.

The exiled opposition politician could have faced up to 5 years in jail in Belarus if was detained and found guilty.

Belarus&nbsp;has been shaken by unprecedented mass protests since the disputed re-election last year of Alexander Lukashenko, who has ruled since 1994 with the support of Russia.

Lukashenko has responded with a crackdown on protesters, jailing many and forcing many others into exile.

Security forces have detained more than 13,000 people during a post-election crackdown, some of whom have been later freed. Lukashenko's key political opponents are either in jail or have fled abroad.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian police have removed Belarusian opposition politician Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya from their wanted list at the initiative of the Belarusian authorities. It comes as Putin and Biden are to meet at a villa in Geneva on Wednesday with tensions high over a long list of disputes, from cyberattacks and election meddling to human rights violations.

Russian police have removed Belarusian opposition politician Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya from their wanted list at the initiative of the Belarusian authorities. It comes as Putin and Biden are to meet at a villa in Geneva on Wednesday with tensions high over a long list of disputes, from cyberattacks and election meddling to human rights violations. Tsikhanouskaya fled into exile last year after Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko launched a crackdown on protesters who accused him of rigging his 2020 re-election, a vote Tsikhanouskaya's supporters say she won. She later appeared on Russia's wanted list, something Russia's Interior Ministry said had happened through a mechanism outlined in a regional bloc that both Russia and Belarus are members of. The exiled opposition politician could have faced up to 5 years in jail in Belarus if was detained and found guilty. Belarus has been shaken by unprecedented mass protests since the disputed re-election last year of Alexander Lukashenko, who has ruled since 1994 with the support of Russia. Lukashenko has responded with a crackdown on protesters, jailing many and forcing many others into exile. Security forces have detained more than 13,000 people during a post-election crackdown, some of whom have been later freed. Lukashenko's key political opponents are either in jail or have fled abroad. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia removes Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya from wanted list

Belarus on Thursday announced that the United States would have to cut its diplomatic and administrative staff in the ex-Soviet country as part of retaliatory sanctions following punitive measures from Washington.

The Belarusian foreign ministry also said that permission for the US Agency for International Development (USAID) to work in the country had been revoked.

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In a statement, the Belarusian foreign ministry spokesman, Anatoly Glaz, said the United States would have to cut its diplomatic and administrative staff in Belarus and visa procedures would also be tightened. He did not provide specifics.

In April, the United States said it was reimposing sanctions on nine state-owned companies in Belarus after strongman Alexander Lukashenko ignored warnings to release political prisoners following a crackdown on the opposition after a disputed election last year.

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The sanctions came into effect earlier Thursday.

Glaz said the US measures would only hurt "ordinary Belarus citizens".

"These actions are illegal, contradict international law and are aimed at putting pressure on a sovereign state," he said in the statement.

Last week the White House announced it would impose more sanctions on Belarus after it diverted a European flight and arrested a dissident on board.

Lukashenko in 2008 threw out the US ambassador after the George W. Bush administration imposed sanctions on the president, his allies and a state oil company following elections seen as unfair and a crackdown on protesters.

Belarus on Thursday announced that the United States would have to cut its diplomatic and administrative staff in the ex-Soviet country as part of retaliatory sanctions following punitive measures from Washington.

Belarus on Thursday announced that the United States would have to cut its diplomatic and administrative staff in the ex-Soviet country as part of retaliatory sanctions following punitive measures from Washington. The Belarusian foreign ministry also said that permission for the US Agency for International Development (USAID) to work in the country had been revoked. Also read | Norway summons American embassy official amid Denmark-US NSA spying row In a statement, the Belarusian foreign ministry spokesman, Anatoly Glaz, said the United States would have to cut its diplomatic and administrative staff in Belarus and visa procedures would also be tightened. He did not provide specifics. In April, the United States said it was reimposing sanctions on nine state-owned companies in Belarus after strongman Alexander Lukashenko ignored warnings to release political prisoners following a crackdown on the opposition after a disputed election last year. Also read | US to distribute 80 million vaccine doses through Covax; India to receive 6 million in first phase: White House The sanctions came into effect earlier Thursday. Glaz said the US measures would only hurt "ordinary Belarus citizens". "These actions are illegal, contradict international law and are aimed at putting pressure on a sovereign state," he said in the statement. Last week the White House announced it would impose more sanctions on Belarus after it diverted a European flight and arrested a dissident on board. Lukashenko in 2008 threw out the US ambassador after the George W. Bush administration imposed sanctions on the president, his allies and a state oil company following elections seen as unfair and a crackdown on protesters.

Belarus slaps retaliatory sanctions on US

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

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