Belarusian state-run airline on Friday banned citizens from Iraq, Syria and Yemen from boarding incoming Turkey flights at the request of Turkish authorities amid a migrant standoff between Belarus and Poland

“In line with a decision by the … Turkish authorities, citizens of Iraq, Syria, Yemen will not be accepted for transportation on flights from Turkey to Belarus from 12.11.2021,” Belavia said in a statement on Friday.

The Turkish Civil Aviation Authority confirmed the statement, saying flight tickets to Minsk would not be sold to people from the three countries from Turkey.

The move comes amid tense border stand-off between Belarus and Poland, where thousands of migrants, mostly from war-torn parts of Iraq, Syria and Yemen, fleeing conflict, persecution or poverty are stranded.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tensions-escalate-at-poland-belarus-border-as-migrants-face-dire-conditions-428576">Poland accuses Lukashenko’s regime of 'hybrid attack' amid migrant crisis</a>

Many aim to reach Germany or other western European countries, to reunite with relatives already settled there. In recent months, Belarus had become a favourable a route for migrants and refugees trying to enter the European Union.

Poland, Lithuania and Latvia, which are all part of the EU, have seen a surge in the number of people trying to enter their countries illegally from Belarus in recent months.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tensions-escalate-at-poland-belarus-border-as-migrants-face-dire-conditions-428576">Tensions escalate at Poland-Belarus border as migrants face dire conditions</a>

The European Union, the United States and NATO have accused Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko&nbsp;of manufacturing a migrant crisis on the EU's eastern frontier as retribution for sanctions over human rights abuses.

Stranded people are facing "catastrophic" conditions in freezing forests and makeshift camps at the border, according to CNN. Temperatures at the Poland-Belarus border drop below freezing at night.

German federal police on Wednesday reported that 1,246 unauthorised entries to Germany “with a connection to Belarus” had been recorded in the first nine days of November. In all, there have been 9,087 such entries so far this year, German police said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-masterminding-the-migrant-crisis-at-poland-belarus-border-claims-polish-pm-428130">Putin masterminding the migrant crisis at Poland-Belarus border, claims Polish PM</a>

Polish authorities said that a large number of people remain just across the border in neighbouring Belarus and Polish border guards continue to rebuff attempts to enter Poland illegally each day.

There are now hundreds of people, among them families with children, staying in makeshift camps on the Belarusian side of the border.

Attempts to cross have become increasingly dangerous as Poland fortifies its side of the border and pushes people back.

&nbsp;(With inputs from agencies)

Belarusian state-run airline on Friday banned citizens from Iraq, Syria and Yemen from boarding incoming Turkey flights at the request of Turkish authorities amid a migrant standoff between Belarus and Poland “In line with a decision by the … Turkish authorities, citizens of Iraq, Syria, Yemen will not be accepted for transportation on flights from Turkey to Belarus from 12.

Belarusian state-run airline on Friday banned citizens from Iraq, Syria and Yemen from boarding incoming Turkey flights at the request of Turkish authorities amid a migrant standoff between Belarus and Poland “In line with a decision by the … Turkish authorities, citizens of Iraq, Syria, Yemen will not be accepted for transportation on flights from Turkey to Belarus from 12.11.2021,” Belavia said in a statement on Friday. The Turkish Civil Aviation Authority confirmed the statement, saying flight tickets to Minsk would not be sold to people from the three countries from Turkey. The move comes amid tense border stand-off between Belarus and Poland, where thousands of migrants, mostly from war-torn parts of Iraq, Syria and Yemen, fleeing conflict, persecution or poverty are stranded. Also read | Poland accuses Lukashenko’s regime of 'hybrid attack' amid migrant crisis Many aim to reach Germany or other western European countries, to reunite with relatives already settled there. In recent months, Belarus had become a favourable a route for migrants and refugees trying to enter the European Union. Poland, Lithuania and Latvia, which are all part of the EU, have seen a surge in the number of people trying to enter their countries illegally from Belarus in recent months. Also read | Tensions escalate at Poland-Belarus border as migrants face dire conditions The European Union, the United States and NATO have accused Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko of manufacturing a migrant crisis on the EU's eastern frontier as retribution for sanctions over human rights abuses. Stranded people are facing "catastrophic" conditions in freezing forests and makeshift camps at the border, according to CNN. Temperatures at the Poland-Belarus border drop below freezing at night. German federal police on Wednesday reported that 1,246 unauthorised entries to Germany “with a connection to Belarus” had been recorded in the first nine days of November. In all, there have been 9,087 such entries so far this year, German police said. Also read | Putin masterminding the migrant crisis at Poland-Belarus border, claims Polish PM Polish authorities said that a large number of people remain just across the border in neighbouring Belarus and Polish border guards continue to rebuff attempts to enter Poland illegally each day. There are now hundreds of people, among them families with children, staying in makeshift camps on the Belarusian side of the border. Attempts to cross have become increasingly dangerous as Poland fortifies its side of the border and pushes people back. (With inputs from agencies)

Belarus bans Iraqis, Syrians and Yemenis from boarding incoming Turkey flights to curb migrant crisis

Here are the latest updates on Poland-Belarus crisis, thousands of migrants are stuck at Europe's borders. What they hope for a better future, one far away from conflicts in their own countries.

Russia flies patrol bombers over Belarus, UNSC to hold emergency meeting

The European Union has blamed Belarus for the migrant crisis at the Poland border. But, Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki claims the crisis was orchestrated by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Is Putin destabilising the European Union? Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Is Putin destabilising the European Union?

Mateusz Morawiecki, Poland's Prime Minister, has accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of engineering the migration crisis on the country's border with Belarus.

"(Belarusian leader) Lukashenko is the executor of the latest assault, but this assault has a sponsor who is to be found in Moscow, and this sponsor is President Putin," Morawiecki said during an emergency debate in the Polish parliament.

At least 2,000 migrants are stranded at the border in subzero temperatures.

According to the prime minister, the situation at the border is part of Russia's campaign to destabilise an area that it ruled during the Soviet era. 
 
Watch | Gravitas: Poland blocks hundreds of migrants at Belarus border

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-poland-blocks-hundreds-of-migrants-at-belarus-border-428115/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Our eastern border's security is being blatantly compromised." 
 
"This is the first time in 30 years that we can declare our borders' integrity is being tested," he added.

Watch:&nbsp;Migrants aided by Belarus try to storm border into Poland

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/migrants-aided-by-belarus-try-to-storm-border-into-poland-427960/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

According to Moscow and Minsk, the Russian and Belarussian leaders spoke by phone on Tuesday about the border tensions between Poland and Belarus.&nbsp;

Belarus's president, Alexander Lukashenko, disputes that the country is sending individuals over the border in retaliation for EU sanctions.&nbsp;

Poland reinforced its border with Belarus with additional riot police a day after parties attempted to storm a barbed-wire barrier. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/orchestrated-influx-poland-blocks-migrants-at-belarus-border-as-it-warns-of-an-armed-escalation-427860">Also Read:&nbsp;Poland blocks migrants at Belarus border</a>

Thousands of migrants and refugees remain en masse on Poland's eastern border, on the brink of the European Union.&nbsp;

The European Union said on Tuesday that it is keeping a close eye on 20 nations, including Russia, for their suspected involvement in the transfer of migrants to Belarus, which Brussels accuses of coordinating the flood of migrants at its external frontiers.

Thirteen countries have been sanctioned for allegedly transporting migrants to Minsk via planes.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Mateusz Morawiecki, Poland's Prime Minister, has accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of engineering the migration crisis on the country's border with Belarus.

Mateusz Morawiecki, Poland's Prime Minister, has accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of engineering the migration crisis on the country's border with Belarus. "(Belarusian leader) Lukashenko is the executor of the latest assault, but this assault has a sponsor who is to be found in Moscow, and this sponsor is President Putin," Morawiecki said during an emergency debate in the Polish parliament. At least 2,000 migrants are stranded at the border in subzero temperatures. According to the prime minister, the situation at the border is part of Russia's campaign to destabilise an area that it ruled during the Soviet era. Watch | Gravitas: Poland blocks hundreds of migrants at Belarus border "Our eastern border's security is being blatantly compromised." "This is the first time in 30 years that we can declare our borders' integrity is being tested," he added. Watch: Migrants aided by Belarus try to storm border into Poland According to Moscow and Minsk, the Russian and Belarussian leaders spoke by phone on Tuesday about the border tensions between Poland and Belarus. Belarus's president, Alexander Lukashenko, disputes that the country is sending individuals over the border in retaliation for EU sanctions. Poland reinforced its border with Belarus with additional riot police a day after parties attempted to storm a barbed-wire barrier. Also Read: Poland blocks migrants at Belarus border Thousands of migrants and refugees remain en masse on Poland's eastern border, on the brink of the European Union. The European Union said on Tuesday that it is keeping a close eye on 20 nations, including Russia, for their suspected involvement in the transfer of migrants to Belarus, which Brussels accuses of coordinating the flood of migrants at its external frontiers. Thirteen countries have been sanctioned for allegedly transporting migrants to Minsk via planes. (With inputs from agencies)

Putin masterminding the migrant crisis at Poland-Belarus border, claims Polish PM

With the rise in the migrant crisis in European Union, Polish President Mateusz Morawiecki blames Russian President Putin for the rise in border tensions.

Poland, Belarus migrant crisis escalates

In pics | Hundreds trapped at border as Belarus & Poland blame each other for migrant crisis

Hundreds of migrants are stranded at the Poland-Belarus border. Poland and other EU member states accuse Belarus of encouraging migrants to illegally cross the border into the EU. Palki Sharma tells you how these migrants have become a pawn in this geopolitical conflict.

Gravitas: Poland blocks hundreds of migrants at Belarus border

After a surge of illegal migration from the Belarus border, Poland recently said that it has blocked various attempts by hundreds of migrants to illegally enter the country as it warned of an "armed" escalation.

After a surge of illegal migration from the Belarus border, Poland recently said that it has blocked various attempts by hundreds of migrants to illegally enter the country as it warned of an "armed" escalation. The Polish government held a crisis meeting on Monday and deployed nearly 12,000 troops to the region. Not just Poland, but Lithuania and Latvia have also raised issues of a surge in the number of people trying to enter their countries from Belarus. Many of them come from the Middle East and Asia. Polish authorities are furious w Belarus migrants wanting to break through their border. PM says “our border is not just a line on the map. Our border is sacred. Polish blood has been spilled for it! This will be a major incident, shots will be fired & there will be casualties.” pic.twitter.com/BU5xZ4f5Hv — 🇺🇸ProudArmyBrat (@leslibless) November 8, 2021 × However, Poland, which is a member of both the European Union and NATO, has drawn sharp criticism for its tough way of dealing with migration. Poland's defence ministry, in a tweet, said, "Interior ministry forces and soldiers managed to stop the first mass attempt to breach the border. Migrants have set up a camp in the Kuznica region. They are constantly guarded by Belarusian services." Also read | Exclusive: Belarus’ political future will be decided by its people, not Russia, says oppn leader Tsikhanouskaya Polish government spokesman Piotr Muller said that around 3,000 to 4,000 migrants were massing near the border. He said, "We expect that there may be an escalation of this type of action on the Polish border in the near future, which will be of an armed nature." He has blamed "people linked to Belarusian special services" for organising the breach. Washington and Brussels have called on Minsk to stop what they have termed as an orchestrated influx. NATO also hit out at Minsk, accusing the government of using the migrants as 'political pawns.' The European Union called for fresh sanctions against Belarus. The use "of migrants for political purposes is unacceptable", said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen as she called on EU member states to impose new sanctions. Germany has also urged the EU to "take action" to help stem the migrant flow from Belarus. The country took in a million asylum seekers in 2015-2016. (With inputs from agencies)

'Orchestrated influx': Poland blocks migrants at Belarus border as it warns of an 'armed' escalation

Russian President Putin spoke to Belarus President Lukashenko&nbsp;as thousands of migrants sought to enter Poland triggering a crisis at the border.

Poland had sealed the border to stop migrants entering the country as it deployed military personnel.&nbsp;Putin and Lukashenko reportedly discussed the migrant standoff at the Polish border.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/orchestrated-influx-poland-blocks-migrants-at-belarus-border-as-it-warns-of-an-armed-escalation-427860">Also Read:&nbsp;Poland blocks migrants at Belarus border</a>

Belarus accused Poland of deploying troops without warning. The migrants mainly from the Middle East had earlier tried to break the border fence as Polish President Andrzej said: "The Belarusian regime is attacking the Polish border."

Belarus foreign ministry warned against any "provocations" by the Polish side as tensions escalated between the two countries.

Watch:&nbsp;Migrants aided by Belarus try to storm border into Poland

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/migrants-aided-by-belarus-try-to-storm-border-into-poland-427960/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki added that Belarus was engaging in a "hybrid attack" as he defiantly maintained that the country won't be "intimidated and will defend peace in Europe with our partners from NATO and EU."

Relations between Belarus and the EU have been on tenterhooks amid sanctions over Lukashenko’s&nbsp;human rights record and elections conducted last year which had led to large scale protests.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/to-fight-west-aggression-belarus-may-turn-into-joint-military-base-with-russia-says-president-alexander-lukashenko-417737">Also Read:&nbsp;Belarus may turn into joint military base with Russia, says Lukashenko</a>

Poland's defence ministry had said that migrants who have set up camp in the Kuznica region were being "guarded" by Belarusian services even as Germany appealed to the EU to take action.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-uses-robots-tactical-vehicles-during-joint-drill-with-belarus-412474">Also Read:&nbsp;Russia uses robots, tactical vehicles during joint drill with Belarus</a>

Amid the unfolding crisis, Polish authorities said at least seven migrants had died.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Russian President Putin spoke to Belarus President Lukashenko as thousands of migrants sought to enter Poland triggering a crisis at the border. Poland had sealed the border to stop migrants entering the country as it deployed military personnel.

Russian President Putin spoke to Belarus President Lukashenko as thousands of migrants sought to enter Poland triggering a crisis at the border. Poland had sealed the border to stop migrants entering the country as it deployed military personnel. Putin and Lukashenko reportedly discussed the migrant standoff at the Polish border. Also Read: Poland blocks migrants at Belarus border Belarus accused Poland of deploying troops without warning. The migrants mainly from the Middle East had earlier tried to break the border fence as Polish President Andrzej said: "The Belarusian regime is attacking the Polish border." Belarus foreign ministry warned against any "provocations" by the Polish side as tensions escalated between the two countries. Watch: Migrants aided by Belarus try to storm border into Poland Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki added that Belarus was engaging in a "hybrid attack" as he defiantly maintained that the country won't be "intimidated and will defend peace in Europe with our partners from NATO and EU." Relations between Belarus and the EU have been on tenterhooks amid sanctions over Lukashenko’s human rights record and elections conducted last year which had led to large scale protests. Also Read: Belarus may turn into joint military base with Russia, says Lukashenko Poland's defence ministry had said that migrants who have set up camp in the Kuznica region were being "guarded" by Belarusian services even as Germany appealed to the EU to take action. Also Read: Russia uses robots, tactical vehicles during joint drill with Belarus Amid the unfolding crisis, Polish authorities said at least seven migrants had died. (With inputs from Agencies)

Poland accuses Lukashenko’s regime of 'hybrid attack' amid migrant crisis

Hundreds of migrants sought to storm the border from Belarus into Poland on Monday, cutting razor wire fences and using branches to try and climb over them.

Migrants aided by Belarus try to storm border into Poland

The face of opposition in Belarus Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya is in exile in Lithuania. She is leading the resistance against Alexander Lukashenko. How will the Belarusian opposition survive? Has the west failed Belarus? What role can India play? Watch Straight Talk with Palki Sharma.

Straight talk with Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya | Belarusian opposition leader in exile

In an interview with Palki Sharma- Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya said that India shouldn't back "gangster" President Alexander Lukashenko. Here is an excerpt from that exclusive interview.

Gravitas | Exclusive: Belarus Opposition leader sends a message to India

Belarus opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has said that while she supports mediation from Russia for a peaceful transition of power in the eastern European country, the “future of Belarus would be only decided by its people”.

Speaking to WION’s Executive Editor Palki Sharma in an exclusive interview, she also urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to stop supporting his Belarusian counterpart, Alexander Lukashenko.

“I would like to underline that it is not up to Russia or other countries to decide the future of Belarus. It is only up to the people of Belarus. We are not in contact with Kremlin. We haven’t had any communication with them, but we sent our message through media, through different leaders that if Russia wants to play a constructive role in our country, then they have to stop supporting Lukashenko and his regime,” Tsikhanouskaya told WION from Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, where she is living in exile.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/exclusive-india-shouldnt-back-gangster-lukashenko-says-belarus-oppn-leader-sviatlana-tsikhanouskaya-421777">Exclusive: India shouldn't back ‘gangster’ Lukashenko, says Belarus oppn leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya</a>

Belarus has been on edge ever since August last year when a controversial presidential vote showed Lukashenko winning his sixth straight election. Thousands of people have been on the streets demanding that their autocratic leader step down.

Lukashenko has been the President of Belarus since 1994 and is known as “Europe’s last dictator.” It was alleged that he sought the help of Putin to solidify his leadership in the eastern European country.

Following Lukashenko’s disputed victory, a crackdown ensued, forcing Tikhanovskaya to flee the country, while others were jailed.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/to-fight-west-aggression-belarus-may-turn-into-joint-military-base-with-russia-says-president-alexander-lukashenko-417737">To fight West aggression, Belarus may turn into joint military base with Russia, says President Alexander Lukashenko</a>

“We are sure that peaceful transition of power can be only through negotiations. We live in the 21st century, we are&nbsp;civilised people and everything should be solved peacefully. We welcome every side that can be a mediator in this negotiation. But it should not be a negotiation between the regimes of US, Russia and Belarus, but between the Belarus regime and the civil society, along with representatives of the other countries who can sit at the round table and be mediators. As a mediator, Russia, US, UK, India, whoever, if they can help us with this crisis, we welcome everyone,” she said.

Tsikhanouskaya said that Russia has also been keeping its distance from Belarus President Lukashenko as he has become a liability to the Kremlin government.

“Lukashenko is becoming expensive economically and politically for Kremlin. But the question is they don’t have another person to change Lukashenko at the moment. And now they are prolonging Lukashenko’s time by&nbsp;supporting him,” she said.

“They (Russia) understand that Lukashenko’s political career is over,” she added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-belarus-agree-on-deepening-economic-integration-411981">Russia, Belarus agree on deepening economic integration</a>

Speaking on the US’ support for the democratic movement in Belarus, Tsikhanouskaya said she didn’t see any political will from the Biden government to resolve the issue.

“The Belarus Democracy Act was adopted rather fast in the US, but it has not been implemented fully. There is no political will for its implementation,” she said.

The Belarus Democracy Act of 2004 is a United States federal law that authorizes assistance for political parties, non-governmental organizations, and independent media working to advance democracy and human rights in Belarus.

Belarus opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has said that while she supports mediation from Russia for a peaceful transition of power in the eastern European country, the “future of Belarus would be only decided by its people”.

Belarus opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has said that while she supports mediation from Russia for a peaceful transition of power in the eastern European country, the “future of Belarus would be only decided by its people”. Speaking to WION’s Executive Editor Palki Sharma in an exclusive interview, she also urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to stop supporting his Belarusian counterpart, Alexander Lukashenko. “I would like to underline that it is not up to Russia or other countries to decide the future of Belarus. It is only up to the people of Belarus. We are not in contact with Kremlin. We haven’t had any communication with them, but we sent our message through media, through different leaders that if Russia wants to play a constructive role in our country, then they have to stop supporting Lukashenko and his regime,” Tsikhanouskaya told WION from Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, where she is living in exile. Also read | Exclusive: India shouldn't back ‘gangster’ Lukashenko, says Belarus oppn leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya Belarus has been on edge ever since August last year when a controversial presidential vote showed Lukashenko winning his sixth straight election. Thousands of people have been on the streets demanding that their autocratic leader step down. Lukashenko has been the President of Belarus since 1994 and is known as “Europe’s last dictator.” It was alleged that he sought the help of Putin to solidify his leadership in the eastern European country. Following Lukashenko’s disputed victory, a crackdown ensued, forcing Tikhanovskaya to flee the country, while others were jailed. Also read | To fight West aggression, Belarus may turn into joint military base with Russia, says President Alexander Lukashenko “We are sure that peaceful transition of power can be only through negotiations. We live in the 21st century, we are civilised people and everything should be solved peacefully. We welcome every side that can be a mediator in this negotiation. But it should not be a negotiation between the regimes of US, Russia and Belarus, but between the Belarus regime and the civil society, along with representatives of the other countries who can sit at the round table and be mediators. As a mediator, Russia, US, UK, India, whoever, if they can help us with this crisis, we welcome everyone,” she said. Tsikhanouskaya said that Russia has also been keeping its distance from Belarus President Lukashenko as he has become a liability to the Kremlin government. “Lukashenko is becoming expensive economically and politically for Kremlin. But the question is they don’t have another person to change Lukashenko at the moment. And now they are prolonging Lukashenko’s time by supporting him,” she said. “They (Russia) understand that Lukashenko’s political career is over,” she added. Also read | Russia, Belarus agree on deepening economic integration Speaking on the US’ support for the democratic movement in Belarus, Tsikhanouskaya said she didn’t see any political will from the Biden government to resolve the issue. “The Belarus Democracy Act was adopted rather fast in the US, but it has not been implemented fully. There is no political will for its implementation,” she said. The Belarus Democracy Act of 2004 is a United States federal law that authorizes assistance for political parties, non-governmental organizations, and independent media working to advance democracy and human rights in Belarus.

Exclusive: Belarus’ political future will be decided by its people, not Russia, says oppn leader Tsikhanouskaya

Belarus opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has urged India not to support strongman President Alexander Lukashenko, calling him a ‘gangster’, in an exclusive interview to WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma.

“It is about democratic values which are important for India as well. You can’t support a gangster. You can't support a criminal. It is the basis of any democracy. India can be vocal about the situation. India can't say that everything is alright in Belarus when thousands are tortured in jails at the moment. India should stop cooperating with the regime,” Tsikhanouskaya told WION from Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, where she is living in exile.

She urged India to support rule of law and democratic values in Belarus, adding that she would like to have cordial relations with New Delhi.&nbsp;

"We ask India to postpone the cooperation until democratic changes and elections happen in our country. I really want India to be honest and support human rights, rule of law and democratic values. I would like to have wonderful relations with India,"&nbsp;Tsikhanouskaya said.

Tsikhanouskaya was the opposition candidate in the highly controversial presidential election of 2020, which Lukashenko won much to the chagrin of the international community that rejected the vote.

She entered the fray after her husband Sergei Tikhanovsky was arrested by Belarusian authorities.

Since the election, forces of Lukashenko, who has been president since 1994, have cracked down on months of opposition protests, eventually leading Tsikhanouskaya and her close associates to leave the country.

Belarus opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has urged India not to support strongman President Alexander Lukashenko, calling him a ‘gangster’, in an exclusive interview to WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma.

Belarus opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has urged India not to support strongman President Alexander Lukashenko, calling him a ‘gangster’, in an exclusive interview to WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma. “It is about democratic values which are important for India as well. You can’t support a gangster. You can't support a criminal. It is the basis of any democracy. India can be vocal about the situation. India can't say that everything is alright in Belarus when thousands are tortured in jails at the moment. India should stop cooperating with the regime,” Tsikhanouskaya told WION from Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, where she is living in exile. She urged India to support rule of law and democratic values in Belarus, adding that she would like to have cordial relations with New Delhi. "We ask India to postpone the cooperation until democratic changes and elections happen in our country. I really want India to be honest and support human rights, rule of law and democratic values. I would like to have wonderful relations with India," Tsikhanouskaya said. Tsikhanouskaya was the opposition candidate in the highly controversial presidential election of 2020, which Lukashenko won much to the chagrin of the international community that rejected the vote. She entered the fray after her husband Sergei Tikhanovsky was arrested by Belarusian authorities. Since the election, forces of Lukashenko, who has been president since 1994, have cracked down on months of opposition protests, eventually leading Tsikhanouskaya and her close associates to leave the country.

Exclusive: India shouldn't back ‘gangster’ Lukashenko, says Belarus oppn leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya 

Border migrant smuggling continues in Belarus. Local smugglers have said that migrants are being sent to EU via Belarus. The EU has accused Belarus of encouraging migrants from Iraq.

Border migrant smuggling continues in Belarus

To withstand the Western aggression, the Belarusian republic may turn into a joint military base with Russia, said President Alexander Lukashenko. &nbsp;

The BelTA news agency has quoted the president as saying in an interview with CNN. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-submarines-transfer-to-australia-threatens-non-proliferation-regime-russia-417390" hreflang="en">US submarines transfer to Australia threatens non-proliferation regime: Russia</a>

"If we need to, Belarus will turn into one military base for Russia and Belarus in order to withstand your aggression, if you decide, or if any one country decides to attack. And you should be clear on this, I have never made any secret of it," the president said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

While responding to a query as to whether there are any military objects on Belarusian territory as of now, he said that "there are no bases of any country, including Russia, except for two, one can say, with a civilian designation". &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/georgia-holds-vote-after-ex-president-saakashvilis-arrest-417633" hreflang="en">Georgia holds vote after ex-president Saakashvili's arrest</a>

The Belarusian president is also ready to step down when the West stops putting pressure on his country and its sovereignty is guaranteed completely. &nbsp;

"I swear, I am not going to be president even until the day I die. I swear. Everything will depend on the situation in Belarus," the president said. &nbsp;

"If you, your handlers in the West, don’t meddle from wherever in our situation and if we feel confident and calm as a sovereign independent state, as people who deserved to be sovereign and independent, believe me, everything will happen earlier than you think. Yet if you only dare once again, like last year, to interfere in our events, it won’t end well," the leader added. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;&nbsp;

To withstand the Western aggression, the Belarusian republic may turn into a joint military base with Russia, said President Alexander Lukashenko. The BelTA news agency has quoted the president as saying in an interview with CNN.

To withstand the Western aggression, the Belarusian republic may turn into a joint military base with Russia, said President Alexander Lukashenko. The BelTA news agency has quoted the president as saying in an interview with CNN. Also Read | US submarines transfer to Australia threatens non-proliferation regime: Russia "If we need to, Belarus will turn into one military base for Russia and Belarus in order to withstand your aggression, if you decide, or if any one country decides to attack. And you should be clear on this, I have never made any secret of it," the president said. While responding to a query as to whether there are any military objects on Belarusian territory as of now, he said that "there are no bases of any country, including Russia, except for two, one can say, with a civilian designation". Also Read: Georgia holds vote after ex-president Saakashvili's arrest The Belarusian president is also ready to step down when the West stops putting pressure on his country and its sovereignty is guaranteed completely. "I swear, I am not going to be president even until the day I die. I swear. Everything will depend on the situation in Belarus," the president said. "If you, your handlers in the West, don’t meddle from wherever in our situation and if we feel confident and calm as a sovereign independent state, as people who deserved to be sovereign and independent, believe me, everything will happen earlier than you think. Yet if you only dare once again, like last year, to interfere in our events, it won’t end well," the leader added. (With inputs from agencies)

To fight West aggression, Belarus may turn into joint military base with Russia, says President Alexander Lukashenko

Vladimir Makei, the foreign minister of Belarus addressed the strategic partnerships and expanding diplomatic ties with "very important partner" India during an exclusive chat with WION's Sidhant Sibal.

'India a very important partner', says Belarus Foreign Minister Vladimir Makei  to WION

Belarus and India are working on strategic partnerships and expanding diplomatic expansion. WION talks to Belarus Foreign Minister Vladimir Makei. Watch this report for more details.

WION Exclusive with Belarus Foreign Minister Vladimir Makei

Vladimir Makei, the foreign minister of Belarus addressed the strategic partnerships and expanding diplomatic ties with "very important partner" India during an exclusive chat with WION's Sidhant Sibal.&nbsp;

On being asked about the diplomatic relation between India and Belarus, Makei said, "We consider India as a very important partner for Belarus in this region. We would like to raise the level of cooperation to a strategic partnership."

Makei also mentioned his recent meeting with India's External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr S Jaishankar on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, where he commended the economic cooperation between the two countries.&nbsp;

During his conversation with WION, Makei told that both the ministers had agreed to "proceed further" and also agreed to "develop political dialogue".&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/unsc-is-frozen-in-time-indian-envoy-to-un-ts-tirumurti-tells-wion-416148">'UNSC is frozen in time,' Indian Envoy to UN TS Tirumurti tells WION</a>

Addressing the ongoing COVID-19 situation, he said that the pandemic influences the "dynamic of contacts" between the countries but we agreed to work on the exchange of&nbsp;visits at the highest level when the situation allows doing that.&nbsp;

Makei said that an agreement on strengthening ties between the ministries of foreign affairs to organise consultation on different issues between our ministers.&nbsp;

"We, Belarus, decided&nbsp;to expand our diplomatic presence in India. We are going to open Consulate General in Mumbai, which is an important and finance centre in India."

"We of course need to be on spot in order to have direct dialogue with the relevant partners, Indian partners in this region."

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While talking about trade, Makei said, "It is important to hold the next meeting of the Joint Economic Commission to discuss new projects which could be mutually beneficial and which could raise the turnover between our countries and which could deepen and could strengthen the cooperation between Belarus and India in all fields. We are ready to do that."&nbsp;

On being asked about connectivity, Makei said, "All the projects which being implemented in Belarus and India, will contribute to the connectivity between the states."

"We know the principled position of India on a number of international issues and I must say that we fully support India in the international organisations, because our position, our approach coincides with India's approach," he added.&nbsp;

"This is a very important principle and we should focus on the implementation of the number of projects to increase the connectivity between the different countries and this is what we need to strengthen the international order in the world," he concluded.&nbsp;

Vladimir Makei, the foreign minister of Belarus addressed the strategic partnerships and expanding diplomatic ties with "very important partner" India during an exclusive chat with WION's Sidhant Sibal. On being asked about the diplomatic relation between India and Belarus, Makei said, "We consider India as a very important partner for Belarus in this region. We would like to raise the level of cooperation to a strategic partnership." Makei also mentioned his recent meeting with India's External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr S Jaishankar on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, where he commended the economic cooperation between the two countries. During his conversation with WION, Makei told that both the ministers had agreed to "proceed further" and also agreed to "develop political dialogue". ALSO READ | 'UNSC is frozen in time,' Indian Envoy to UN TS Tirumurti tells WION Addressing the ongoing COVID-19 situation, he said that the pandemic influences the "dynamic of contacts" between the countries but we agreed to work on the exchange of visits at the highest level when the situation allows doing that. Makei said that an agreement on strengthening ties between the ministries of foreign affairs to organise consultation on different issues between our ministers. "We, Belarus, decided to expand our diplomatic presence in India. We are going to open Consulate General in Mumbai, which is an important and finance centre in India." "We of course need to be on spot in order to have direct dialogue with the relevant partners, Indian partners in this region." Watch the video here: × While talking about trade, Makei said, "It is important to hold the next meeting of the Joint Economic Commission to discuss new projects which could be mutually beneficial and which could raise the turnover between our countries and which could deepen and could strengthen the cooperation between Belarus and India in all fields. We are ready to do that." On being asked about connectivity, Makei said, "All the projects which being implemented in Belarus and India, will contribute to the connectivity between the states." "We know the principled position of India on a number of international issues and I must say that we fully support India in the international organisations, because our position, our approach coincides with India's approach," he added. "This is a very important principle and we should focus on the implementation of the number of projects to increase the connectivity between the different countries and this is what we need to strengthen the international order in the world," he concluded.

'India a very important partner': Belarus Foreign Minister Vladimir Makei tells WION

Belarus and India are focussing on expanding their diplomatic presence. Belarus' foreign minister spoke to WION on the relations between the two countries.

Belarus foreign minister speaks to WION on India-Belarus relations

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarus President alexander Lukashenko on Thursday agreed on economic policies that are aimed at integrating the two ex-Soviet countries more closely.

They said that they were in agreement on 28 programmes unifying their economies. However, both leaders stopped short of discussing political integration. It is thought that such an integration it is long sought by Moscow but resisted by Lukashenko.

After talks in the Kremlin, Putin said the agreements mean the countries will eventually have a unified "macro-economic policy".

The Belarus strongman -- increasingly isolated since orchestrating a ruthless crackdown on the opposition -- assured that Russia would not "swallow" his country.&nbsp;

The agreements are part of the implementation of a 1999 "union state" agreement. This foresees the creation of a single parliament, a single currency and common state symbols.&nbsp;

Putin said that Belarus is a "good neighbour" that shares Russia's "history and spiritual values."

The Russian leader said that while the pair did not discuss "political integration"

"We did not talk about this," Putin said, adding that it was first necessary to "create an economic base" before integrating politically.&nbsp;

The Kremlin has sought to deepen integration but Lukashenko, who for years relied on Moscow for cheap oil and loans, has resisted closer integration.

"Belarusians and Russians do not feel like foreigners in each other's countries," Lukashenko said.&nbsp; 
"Together we are stronger." &nbsp;

The countries are about to begin the Zapad-2021 military exercises that are closely monitored by NATO, and Belarus has recently taken delivery of Russian war planes to be stationed on Belarus's border with the EU.

Putin, in power for more than 20 years, and Lukashenko, in power for nearly 30 years, have had a volatile relationship.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarus President alexander Lukashenko on Thursday agreed on economic policies that are aimed at integrating the two ex-Soviet countries more closely.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarus President alexander Lukashenko on Thursday agreed on economic policies that are aimed at integrating the two ex-Soviet countries more closely. They said that they were in agreement on 28 programmes unifying their economies. However, both leaders stopped short of discussing political integration. It is thought that such an integration it is long sought by Moscow but resisted by Lukashenko. After talks in the Kremlin, Putin said the agreements mean the countries will eventually have a unified "macro-economic policy". The Belarus strongman -- increasingly isolated since orchestrating a ruthless crackdown on the opposition -- assured that Russia would not "swallow" his country. The agreements are part of the implementation of a 1999 "union state" agreement. This foresees the creation of a single parliament, a single currency and common state symbols. Putin said that Belarus is a "good neighbour" that shares Russia's "history and spiritual values." The Russian leader said that while the pair did not discuss "political integration" "We did not talk about this," Putin said, adding that it was first necessary to "create an economic base" before integrating politically. The Kremlin has sought to deepen integration but Lukashenko, who for years relied on Moscow for cheap oil and loans, has resisted closer integration. "Belarusians and Russians do not feel like foreigners in each other's countries," Lukashenko said. "Together we are stronger." The countries are about to begin the Zapad-2021 military exercises that are closely monitored by NATO, and Belarus has recently taken delivery of Russian war planes to be stationed on Belarus's border with the EU. Putin, in power for more than 20 years, and Lukashenko, in power for nearly 30 years, have had a volatile relationship. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia, Belarus agree on deepening economic integration

The&nbsp;European Union has accused Belarus&nbsp;President Alexander Lukashenko of orchestrating the arrival of thousands of people at the borders of Lithuania, Latvia, and Poland in retaliation for sanctions imposed on the former Soviet republic.

Condemning the ''aggressive behavior''&nbsp;and ''direct attack'' as an attempt to destabilise the bloc, it said Belarus was&nbsp;pushing asylum seekers across its border.

Interior ministers of the 27-nation EU said in a statement to be issued after an emergency meeting that&nbsp;Belarus&nbsp;was seeking to "instrumentalise human beings for political purposes".

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“This aggressive behavior … is unacceptable and amounts to a direct attack aimed at destabilizing and pressurizing the EU,” said a statement by Slovenia, which holds the bloc’s rotating presidency until the end of the year, after emergency talks among the bloc’s interior ministers.

The issue has become more acute in the light of the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan that was completed on Sunday. Many Afghans are trying to flee the country, fearing reprisals.

EU member states are nervous about a replay of Europe's 2015-16 migration crisis when the chaotic arrival of more than a million people from the Middle East stretched security and welfare systems and fuelled support for far-right groups.

The ministers, without direct reference to Afghanistan, said there was "a need to strengthen the entire external border" of the EU to prevent illegal crossings in the future.

So far this year, more than 4,100 asylum-seekers, most of them from Iraq, have illegally crossed from Belarus into Lithuania. That’s 50 times more than during all of 2020. They’re being sheltered in temporary camps across the Baltic EU member.

Poland said Wednesday it had deployed nearly 1,000 troops to its border with Belarus to help border guards cope with a surge of migrants,&nbsp;again mostly from Iraq, who were trying to enter the country.

The migrant movements spiked dramatically after the EU slapped sanctions on Belarus officials.

Many of the migrants were believed to have arrived in Belarus by plane on commercial flights from Iraq. Those flights have stopped for now, perhaps in part due to the EU’s threat to impose visa restrictions on Iraqi citizens and officials.

Still, Lithuania’s border guard released video footage on Wednesday which it said reveals that migrants are being pushed across the border into EU territory by Belarus riot police. Another video showed several people cross into Lithuania and immediately return to Belarus to be filmed by Belarus officials.

After talks with Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte on Wednesday, EU Parliament President David Sassoli accused Lukashenko of “exploiting these poor people, men and women.”

“I have seen these outrageous actions when officials push people across the border. It is both an issue of human rights, and also a question of protecting the border of the EU,” Sassoli said. “It is an organized activity of the Lukashenko regime.”

The United Nations refugee agency UNHCR has said it is "deeply concerned" by border pushbacks and the Lithuanian Red Cross said it doubted they meet countries' obligations under international treaties on human rights.

Ylva Johansson, who is responsible for migration and asylum in the EU's executive Commission, called on member states on Wednesday to ramp up admission quotas for Afghans in need of protection, particularly for women and girls.

(With inputs from agencies)

The European Union has accused Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko of orchestrating the arrival of thousands of people at the borders of Lithuania, Latvia, and Poland in retaliation for sanctions imposed on the former Soviet republic.

The European Union has accused Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko of orchestrating the arrival of thousands of people at the borders of Lithuania, Latvia, and Poland in retaliation for sanctions imposed on the former Soviet republic. Condemning the ''aggressive behavior'' and ''direct attack'' as an attempt to destabilise the bloc, it said Belarus was pushing asylum seekers across its border. Interior ministers of the 27-nation EU said in a statement to be issued after an emergency meeting that Belarus was seeking to "instrumentalise human beings for political purposes". “This aggressive behavior … is unacceptable and amounts to a direct attack aimed at destabilizing and pressurizing the EU,” said a statement by Slovenia, which holds the bloc’s rotating presidency until the end of the year, after emergency talks among the bloc’s interior ministers. The issue has become more acute in the light of the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan that was completed on Sunday. Many Afghans are trying to flee the country, fearing reprisals. EU member states are nervous about a replay of Europe's 2015-16 migration crisis when the chaotic arrival of more than a million people from the Middle East stretched security and welfare systems and fuelled support for far-right groups. The ministers, without direct reference to Afghanistan, said there was "a need to strengthen the entire external border" of the EU to prevent illegal crossings in the future. So far this year, more than 4,100 asylum-seekers, most of them from Iraq, have illegally crossed from Belarus into Lithuania. That’s 50 times more than during all of 2020. They’re being sheltered in temporary camps across the Baltic EU member. Poland said Wednesday it had deployed nearly 1,000 troops to its border with Belarus to help border guards cope with a surge of migrants, again mostly from Iraq, who were trying to enter the country. The migrant movements spiked dramatically after the EU slapped sanctions on Belarus officials. Many of the migrants were believed to have arrived in Belarus by plane on commercial flights from Iraq. Those flights have stopped for now, perhaps in part due to the EU’s threat to impose visa restrictions on Iraqi citizens and officials. Still, Lithuania’s border guard released video footage on Wednesday which it said reveals that migrants are being pushed across the border into EU territory by Belarus riot police. Another video showed several people cross into Lithuania and immediately return to Belarus to be filmed by Belarus officials. After talks with Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte on Wednesday, EU Parliament President David Sassoli accused Lukashenko of “exploiting these poor people, men and women.” “I have seen these outrageous actions when officials push people across the border. It is both an issue of human rights, and also a question of protecting the border of the EU,” Sassoli said. “It is an organized activity of the Lukashenko regime.” The United Nations refugee agency UNHCR has said it is "deeply concerned" by border pushbacks and the Lithuanian Red Cross said it doubted they meet countries' obligations under international treaties on human rights. Ylva Johansson, who is responsible for migration and asylum in the EU's executive Commission, called on member states on Wednesday to ramp up admission quotas for Afghans in need of protection, particularly for women and girls. (With inputs from agencies)

'Direct attack': European Union accuses Belarus of using migrants as political weapon

Belarusian sprinter Krystina Tsimanouskaya who defected during the Tokyo Olympics this month says she plans to apply for Polish sporting citizenship so that she can run for Poland. 
 
Tsimanouskaya, 24, was taken in by Warsaw when her coaches told her to return to Belarus from Japan following a dispute, an order she refused to obey fearing for her safety. 
 
Belarus has been gripped by a sweeping crackdown on anti-government dissent following mass protests that erupted last year over a disputed election. 
 
In an interview with the RBC television channel aired late on Wednesday, Tsimanouskaya said it can take three years to change sporting citizenship, but she hoped her application would be fast-tracked. 
 
"We are now going to try to change my sporting citizenship so that I can compete for the Polish national team," she said. "I have decided to stay in Poland and compete for the Polish national team."

Belarusian sprinter Krystina Tsimanouskaya who defected during the Tokyo Olympics this month says she plans to apply for Polish sporting citizenship so that she can run for Poland.

Belarusian sprinter Krystina Tsimanouskaya who defected during the Tokyo Olympics this month says she plans to apply for Polish sporting citizenship so that she can run for Poland. Tsimanouskaya, 24, was taken in by Warsaw when her coaches told her to return to Belarus from Japan following a dispute, an order she refused to obey fearing for her safety. Belarus has been gripped by a sweeping crackdown on anti-government dissent following mass protests that erupted last year over a disputed election. In an interview with the RBC television channel aired late on Wednesday, Tsimanouskaya said it can take three years to change sporting citizenship, but she hoped her application would be fast-tracked. "We are now going to try to change my sporting citizenship so that I can compete for the Polish national team," she said. "I have decided to stay in Poland and compete for the Polish national team."

Olympics: Belarusian sprinter who defected plans to run for Poland

Police in Belarus on Wednesday searched and detained employees of an independent news agency. This is being seen as an escalation in crackdown on the media.

The ex-Soviet country is in a political turmoil since last August. Incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko has claimed victory but opponents say that the elections were rigged

In the wake of the protests, Belarus has sought to eradicate any remaining pockets of dissent, cracking down on the opposition, rights groups and media not under state control.&nbsp;

Police on Wednesday searched home of Irina Levshina, editor-in-chief of BelaPan news agency

before taking her to the outlet's newsroom for a search there, reported website Naviny.by, which is owned by BelaPan.

BelaPan deputy editor Alexander Zaitsev said his home was also searched and his phone, computer and other devices were confiscated.

He said it was part of an investigation into public order offences.

Later on Wednesday, Naviny.by said that BelaPan's accountant and its former director had been taken to a detention centre in the capital Minsk.

Naviny.by also reported that BelaPan's website was down.&nbsp;

AFP journalists in Moscow and Paris were unable to access it as of 1230 GMT.

The Belarusian Association of Journalists called for the "immediate" release of all BelaPan employees.&nbsp; 
"You can close independent media, detain their employees and scare people. But nobody can hold back thoughts and ideas," the group said in a statement.&nbsp;

BelaPan is not openly pro-opposition but it carries critical material not seen in most other Belarusian media, and its offices have been raided in the past.

In January, the outlet's headquarters were searched and a former employee was arrested and later charged with treason.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Police in Belarus on Wednesday searched and detained employees of an independent news agency. This is being seen as an escalation in crackdown on the media. The ex-Soviet country is in a political turmoil since last August.

Police in Belarus on Wednesday searched and detained employees of an independent news agency. This is being seen as an escalation in crackdown on the media. The ex-Soviet country is in a political turmoil since last August. Incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko has claimed victory but opponents say that the elections were rigged In the wake of the protests, Belarus has sought to eradicate any remaining pockets of dissent, cracking down on the opposition, rights groups and media not under state control. Police on Wednesday searched home of Irina Levshina, editor-in-chief of BelaPan news agency before taking her to the outlet's newsroom for a search there, reported website Naviny.by, which is owned by BelaPan. BelaPan deputy editor Alexander Zaitsev said his home was also searched and his phone, computer and other devices were confiscated. He said it was part of an investigation into public order offences. Later on Wednesday, Naviny.by said that BelaPan's accountant and its former director had been taken to a detention centre in the capital Minsk. Naviny.by also reported that BelaPan's website was down. AFP journalists in Moscow and Paris were unable to access it as of 1230 GMT. The Belarusian Association of Journalists called for the "immediate" release of all BelaPan employees. "You can close independent media, detain their employees and scare people. But nobody can hold back thoughts and ideas," the group said in a statement. BelaPan is not openly pro-opposition but it carries critical material not seen in most other Belarusian media, and its offices have been raided in the past. In January, the outlet's headquarters were searched and a former employee was arrested and later charged with treason. (With inputs from agencies)

Belarus: News agency targetted by police amid crackdown

Belarus on Wednesday ordered the United States to reduce its embassy staff there after Washington imposed a fresh round of sanctions on the regime of President Alexander Lukashenko.

"The American side was suggested to reduce the number of staff in its Minsk embassy to five people by September 1," foreign ministry spokesman Anatoly Glaz said in a statement.

He added that the decision comes in response to Washington's "impudent and openly hostile actions".

"Against the backdrop of Washington's actions to reduce cooperation in all spheres and to economically suffocate our country, we quite objectively don't see any sense in the presence of such significant personnel," Glaz said.

He also said Belarus has revoked its consent for the appointment of Julie Fisher as US ambassador to the ex-Soviet country.

Western governments, including the United States, have slapped Belarus with several sets of sanctions over the regime's crackdown on dissent that began when protests erupted across the country following a disputed election last year.

Belarusians took to the streets demanding the resignation of 66-year-old strongman Lukashenko, who has ruled for nearly three decades and claimed to have won another presidential term in the polls last August.

On Monday, a year after the election, the United States, Britain and Canada announced new penalties on Belarus.

Among the targets was the Belarusian National Olympic Committee, headed by Lukashenko's son, which was accused of participating in an attempt to force a sprinter home from the Tokyo Olympics.

Belarus has also been in the international spotlight over the suspicious death of a Belarusian activist in Ukraine last week and the forced landing of a European flight to arrest a dissident in May.

But despite the growing pressure, Lukashenko's regime remains unphased and backed by key ally and creditor Russia.

Belarus on Wednesday ordered the United States to reduce its embassy staff there after Washington imposed a fresh round of sanctions on the regime of President Alexander Lukashenko.

Belarus on Wednesday ordered the United States to reduce its embassy staff there after Washington imposed a fresh round of sanctions on the regime of President Alexander Lukashenko. "The American side was suggested to reduce the number of staff in its Minsk embassy to five people by September 1," foreign ministry spokesman Anatoly Glaz said in a statement. He added that the decision comes in response to Washington's "impudent and openly hostile actions". "Against the backdrop of Washington's actions to reduce cooperation in all spheres and to economically suffocate our country, we quite objectively don't see any sense in the presence of such significant personnel," Glaz said. He also said Belarus has revoked its consent for the appointment of Julie Fisher as US ambassador to the ex-Soviet country. Western governments, including the United States, have slapped Belarus with several sets of sanctions over the regime's crackdown on dissent that began when protests erupted across the country following a disputed election last year. Belarusians took to the streets demanding the resignation of 66-year-old strongman Lukashenko, who has ruled for nearly three decades and claimed to have won another presidential term in the polls last August. On Monday, a year after the election, the United States, Britain and Canada announced new penalties on Belarus. Among the targets was the Belarusian National Olympic Committee, headed by Lukashenko's son, which was accused of participating in an attempt to force a sprinter home from the Tokyo Olympics. Belarus has also been in the international spotlight over the suspicious death of a Belarusian activist in Ukraine last week and the forced landing of a European flight to arrest a dissident in May. But despite the growing pressure, Lukashenko's regime remains unphased and backed by key ally and creditor Russia.

Belarus tells US to cut diplomatic presence after sanctions

The actions come on the one-year anniversary of Lukashenko's election to a sixth term in a vote that the U.S. and the European Union say was fraudulent.

Biden administration imposes another round of sanctions on Belarus

The United States will&nbsp;on&nbsp;Monday impose fresh&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;on&nbsp;the&nbsp;regime&nbsp;of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, who is accused of a brutal crackdown&nbsp;on&nbsp;opponents, a&nbsp;White&nbsp;House&nbsp;official&nbsp;told AFP.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">President Joe Biden</a> will sign an executive order targeting Lukashenko over an ongoing "assault against the democratic aspirations and human rights of the Belarusian people, transnational repression... and corruption."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/biles-belarus-and-sports-drama-here-are-some-key-moments-of-tokyo-olympics-2020-404131">Biles, Belarus and sports drama: Here are some key moments of Tokyo Olympics 2020</a>

In power since 1994, Lukashenko has been cracking down&nbsp;on&nbsp;opponents since unprecedented protests erupted after last year's elections, deemed unfair by many observers.

The&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;to be imposed by the US Treasury&nbsp;on&nbsp;Monday will mark the anniversary of the elections, which the US&nbsp;official&nbsp;described as "fraudulent."

At the now-completed Tokyo Olympics, Belarusian sprinter Krystsina Tsimanouskaya sought protection to avoid being forced onto a plane home, saying she feared for her life if she returned to&nbsp;Belarus&nbsp;after she criticized her coaches.

Tsimanouskaya was among the many Belarusian sports figures who in August 2020 publicly criticized violence against protesters at demonstrations that gripped the ex-Soviet country after the presidential vote.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/happy-to-be-in-safety-says-belarus-olympic-athlete-krystsina-tsimanouskaya-403194">'Happy to be in safety,' says Belarus Olympic athlete Krystsina Tsimanouskaya</a>

In May, Lukashenko's government intercepted a Ryanair plane and arrested an opposition activist and his girlfriend&nbsp;on&nbsp;board.

Olympic threats&nbsp;

"Since then, the&nbsp;regime&nbsp;has only further expanded its repression, including by threatening the safety of an Olympic athlete outside its borders," the US&nbsp;official&nbsp;said.

"With today's actions, President Biden is abiding by his pledge to hold the Belarussian&nbsp;regime&nbsp;accountable for its abuses."

The latest&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;target key institutions and supporters of Lukashenko including the Belarusian National Olympic Committee, business leaders and companies such a private Belarusian bank.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-2020-two-belarus-coaches-kicked-out-of-olympics-over-krystsina-tsimanouskaya-removal-403305">Tokyo 2020: Two Belarus coaches kicked out of Olympics over Krystsina Tsimanouskaya removal</a>

Also&nbsp;on&nbsp;the list is Belaruskali OAO, one of&nbsp;Belarus's largest state-owned enterprises and one of the world's largest producers of potash. It is alleged to be a source of illegal wealth for the&nbsp;regime.

The US accused the National Olympic Committee of facilitating money laundering,&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;evasion and circumventing visa bans.

Western nations have already imposed a slew of&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;on&nbsp;Lukashenko and his&nbsp;regime, but they appear to have had limited effect as he maintains backing from key ally and creditor Russia.

Tsimanouskaya, 24, arrived in Poland&nbsp;on&nbsp;Wednesday after being granted a humanitarian visa, saying she was "happy to be in safety."

According to local rights group Viasna, there are currently 603 political prisoners in&nbsp;Belarus.

The US will call for an international investigation into the Ryanair flight diversion, the release of all political prisoners, and free and fair elections.

The United States will on Monday impose fresh sanctions on the regime of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, who is accused of a brutal crackdown on opponents, a White House official told AFP.

The United States will on Monday impose fresh sanctions on the regime of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, who is accused of a brutal crackdown on opponents, a White House official told AFP. President Joe Biden will sign an executive order targeting Lukashenko over an ongoing "assault against the democratic aspirations and human rights of the Belarusian people, transnational repression... and corruption." Also read | Biles, Belarus and sports drama: Here are some key moments of Tokyo Olympics 2020 In power since 1994, Lukashenko has been cracking down on opponents since unprecedented protests erupted after last year's elections, deemed unfair by many observers. The sanctions to be imposed by the US Treasury on Monday will mark the anniversary of the elections, which the US official described as "fraudulent." At the now-completed Tokyo Olympics, Belarusian sprinter Krystsina Tsimanouskaya sought protection to avoid being forced onto a plane home, saying she feared for her life if she returned to Belarus after she criticized her coaches. Tsimanouskaya was among the many Belarusian sports figures who in August 2020 publicly criticized violence against protesters at demonstrations that gripped the ex-Soviet country after the presidential vote. Also read | 'Happy to be in safety,' says Belarus Olympic athlete Krystsina Tsimanouskaya In May, Lukashenko's government intercepted a Ryanair plane and arrested an opposition activist and his girlfriend on board. Olympic threats "Since then, the regime has only further expanded its repression, including by threatening the safety of an Olympic athlete outside its borders," the US official said. "With today's actions, President Biden is abiding by his pledge to hold the Belarussian regime accountable for its abuses." The latest sanctions target key institutions and supporters of Lukashenko including the Belarusian National Olympic Committee, business leaders and companies such a private Belarusian bank. Also read | Tokyo 2020: Two Belarus coaches kicked out of Olympics over Krystsina Tsimanouskaya removal Also on the list is Belaruskali OAO, one of Belarus's largest state-owned enterprises and one of the world's largest producers of potash. It is alleged to be a source of illegal wealth for the regime. The US accused the National Olympic Committee of facilitating money laundering, sanctions evasion and circumventing visa bans. Western nations have already imposed a slew of sanctions on Lukashenko and his regime, but they appear to have had limited effect as he maintains backing from key ally and creditor Russia. Tsimanouskaya, 24, arrived in Poland on Wednesday after being granted a humanitarian visa, saying she was "happy to be in safety." According to local rights group Viasna, there are currently 603 political prisoners in Belarus. The US will call for an international investigation into the Ryanair flight diversion, the release of all political prisoners, and free and fair elections.

US to slap new sanctions on Belarus regime: White House official

The Belarus Olympic athlete, Krystsina Tsimanouskaya, has finally broken the silence and said she is "happy to be in safety"&nbsp;in Poland now.

Krystsina Tsimanouskaya, the 24-year-old Olympic athlete from Belarus, flew to Poland as the country granted her a humanitarian visa after the Belarus government allegedly tried to abduct her.

"I am also happy to be here, happy to be in safety," Krystsina Tsimanouskaya said, adding that she was "surprised that the situation became such a political scandal because it started out as a sporting issue."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belarusian-olympic-athlete-krystsina-tsimanouskaya-lands-in-poland-after-receiving-humanitarian-visa-402913">Belarusian Olympic athlete Krystsina Tsimanouskaya lands in Poland after receiving humanitarian visa</a>

Tsimanouskaya made the headlines when she openly criticised her state-appointed Olympic coaches, which caused trouble for her in Belarus. She took to Instagram to complain about her coaches who allegedly entered her into a race without informing her.

She is also one of more than 2,000 Belarusian Olympic athletes who had signed an open letter demanding the freeing of political prisoners and had also called for fresh and fair elections.

The athlete claimed that she has been told that she will surely face severe punishments if she returns back to Belarus. It was also claimed in some media reports that Belarus officials tried to forcefully bring back Tsimanouskaya.

"I just want to pursue my sporting career," the athlete said. Her husband has also been granted a humanitarian visa by Poland, who is soon joining his wife.

She had also sheltered in Poland embassy for two nights to remain at safety from her home country's government. "My parents told me that they're saying bad things about me on television... I got a lot of bad messages but I got even more messages of support," Tsimanouskaya said.

The Belarus Olympic athlete, Krystsina Tsimanouskaya, has finally broken the silence and said she is "happy to be in safety" in Poland now. Krystsina Tsimanouskaya, the 24-year-old Olympic athlete from Belarus, flew to Poland as the country granted her a humanitarian visa after the Belarus government allegedly tried to abduct her.

The Belarus Olympic athlete, Krystsina Tsimanouskaya, has finally broken the silence and said she is "happy to be in safety" in Poland now. Krystsina Tsimanouskaya, the 24-year-old Olympic athlete from Belarus, flew to Poland as the country granted her a humanitarian visa after the Belarus government allegedly tried to abduct her. "I am also happy to be here, happy to be in safety," Krystsina Tsimanouskaya said, adding that she was "surprised that the situation became such a political scandal because it started out as a sporting issue." Also read | Belarusian Olympic athlete Krystsina Tsimanouskaya lands in Poland after receiving humanitarian visa Tsimanouskaya made the headlines when she openly criticised her state-appointed Olympic coaches, which caused trouble for her in Belarus. She took to Instagram to complain about her coaches who allegedly entered her into a race without informing her. She is also one of more than 2,000 Belarusian Olympic athletes who had signed an open letter demanding the freeing of political prisoners and had also called for fresh and fair elections. The athlete claimed that she has been told that she will surely face severe punishments if she returns back to Belarus. It was also claimed in some media reports that Belarus officials tried to forcefully bring back Tsimanouskaya. "I just want to pursue my sporting career," the athlete said. Her husband has also been granted a humanitarian visa by Poland, who is soon joining his wife. She had also sheltered in Poland embassy for two nights to remain at safety from her home country's government. "My parents told me that they're saying bad things about me on television... I got a lot of bad messages but I got even more messages of support," Tsimanouskaya said.

'Happy to be in safety,' says Belarus Olympic athlete Krystsina Tsimanouskaya

The last remaining protest leader of Belarus, Maria Kolesnikova, danced in the court as her trial started on Wednesday.

Kolesnikova, the 39-year-old, is a former flute player who has rose to fame as a symbol of protest in Belarus. She was arrested in September 2020 after she resisted forced deportation by the KGB security service by tearing up her passport.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belarusian-olympic-athlete-krystsina-tsimanouskaya-lands-at-vienna-poland-offers-humanitarian-visa-402913">Belarusian Olympic athlete Krystsina Tsimanouskaya lands at Vienna; Poland offers humanitarian visa</a>&nbsp;

She was accused of violating national security after she challenged the Belarus leader Alexander Lukashenko’s rule. The autocratic leader has been arresting all opposing voices after last year’s elections.

Dressed in all black and her signature red lipstick, as her trial began, she was seen smiling and dancing, while making heart signs through hand gestures from behind the glass partition.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The face of courage. 
Leading <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Belarus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Belarus</a> oppos figure Maria Kolesnikova. 
Her trial starts today. 
 
She faces absurd charges of attempting to overthrow the government, + 12 yrs in prison 
 
Trial is closed. 
Priceless video clip of her defiance: 
 
<a href="https://t.co/0JtWNA9MWS">pic.twitter.com/0JtWNA9MWS</a>
— Rachel Denber (@Rachel_Denber) <a href="https://twitter.com/Rachel_Denber/status/1422844534220853248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 4, 2021</a></blockquote>
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In the video, she can be seen smiling and keeping a positive attitude with&nbsp;her lawyer Maxim Znak as her trial started&nbsp;at a closed court in the Belarusian capital.

If convicted, the two may face 12 years of a jail sentence.

This happened while Belarus government has been facing criticism for following an autocratic form of government after Lukashenko's government tried to forcibly bring back Olympic athlete&nbsp;Krystsina Tsimanouskaya who openly criticised her state-appointed coaches. She accused her coaches of entering&nbsp;her into a race without informing her.

Tsimanouskaya was also one of more than 2,000 Belarusian Olympic athletes who had signed an open letter demanding freeing of political prisoners and had also called for fresh and fair elections.

The last remaining protest leader of Belarus, Maria Kolesnikova, danced in the court as her trial started on Wednesday. Kolesnikova, the 39-year-old, is a former flute player who has rose to fame as a symbol of protest in Belarus.

The last remaining protest leader of Belarus, Maria Kolesnikova, danced in the court as her trial started on Wednesday. Kolesnikova, the 39-year-old, is a former flute player who has rose to fame as a symbol of protest in Belarus. She was arrested in September 2020 after she resisted forced deportation by the KGB security service by tearing up her passport. Also read | Belarusian Olympic athlete Krystsina Tsimanouskaya lands at Vienna; Poland offers humanitarian visa She was accused of violating national security after she challenged the Belarus leader Alexander Lukashenko’s rule. The autocratic leader has been arresting all opposing voices after last year’s elections. Dressed in all black and her signature red lipstick, as her trial began, she was seen smiling and dancing, while making heart signs through hand gestures from behind the glass partition. The face of courage. Leading #Belarus oppos figure Maria Kolesnikova. Her trial starts today. She faces absurd charges of attempting to overthrow the government, + 12 yrs in prison Trial is closed. Priceless video clip of her defiance: pic.twitter.com/0JtWNA9MWS — Rachel Denber (@Rachel_Denber) August 4, 2021 × In the video, she can be seen smiling and keeping a positive attitude with her lawyer Maxim Znak as her trial started at a closed court in the Belarusian capital. If convicted, the two may face 12 years of a jail sentence. This happened while Belarus government has been facing criticism for following an autocratic form of government after Lukashenko's government tried to forcibly bring back Olympic athlete Krystsina Tsimanouskaya who openly criticised her state-appointed coaches. She accused her coaches of entering her into a race without informing her. Tsimanouskaya was also one of more than 2,000 Belarusian Olympic athletes who had signed an open letter demanding freeing of political prisoners and had also called for fresh and fair elections.

Watch: Belarus protest leader dances in court during her trial

The death of Belarusian activist Shishov has sparked widespread protests in Ukraine. Shishov was the head of Kyiv based organization that helped Belarusians flee in prosecution in the country.

Death of Belarusian activist Shishov sparks widespread protests in Ukraine

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