Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko's plane landed in the southern Russian city of Sochi on Monday morning ahead of talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Flight tracking data showed Lukashenko's plane touched down in the Black Sea resort of Sochi, where Putin often hosts visiting dignitaries.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/if-belarus-falls-russia-will-be-next-says-lukashenko-326093">If Belarus falls, Russia will be next, says Lukashenko</a>

Lukashenko&nbsp;is seeking Moscow's backing after a fifth consecutive weekend of huge protests demanding his resignation.

The fate of the Belarusian leader is in Putin's hands as he faces the gravest crisis of his 26 years in power. Economic and military support from Moscow could help tip the balance in his favour as his security forces crack down hard on the opposition.

The Belarusian opposition accuses Lukashenko of rigging last month's presidential election, which he says he won fairly with 80% of the vote. Since then, thousands of people have been arrested and nearly all the opposition's key leaders have been detained, deported or forced to flee the country.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/we-come-in-peace-belarusian-women-dressed-in-white-protest-against-corrupt-leadership-321060">We come in peace: Belarusian women dressed in white protest against corrupt leadership</a>

At least 100,000 protesters took to the streets of the capital Minsk on Sunday, taunting Lukashenko with chants of "You're a rat". Police said they detained 774 people at protests across the country.

Putin's actions so far suggest he has no desire to see the leader of a neighbouring ex-Soviet country toppled by pressure from the streets - even if Lukashenko has often proved a prickly and difficult ally.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-and-lukashenko-to-discuss-integration-amid-belarus-protests-326896">Putin and Lukashenko to discuss 'integration' amid Belarus protests</a>

The Kremlin leader said last month he had set up a "reserve police force" at Lukashenko's request, though it would be deployed only if needed. On Monday Russia will send paratroopers to Belarus for joint "Slavic brotherhood" military drills until September&nbsp;25, as per the defence ministry.

Russia has also offered to restructure Belarusian debt and support the banking system.

Belarus is the former Soviet republic with the closest political, social, economic and defence relationships with Russia. The two countries even proclaimed a "union state" in the 1990s, complete with a Soviet-style red flag.

The cost of further backing from Moscow could be Lukashenko's acceptance of even greater Russian dominance. The Kremlin has long pushed for closer integration, including a joint currency. Lukashenko has resisted some of those measures, and has had a difficult personal relationship with Putin.

Yet the Belarusian leader's position could become more precarious should the protests persist. Sunday's demonstration was one of the biggest yet.

"We have to show with this march that he doesn't control the country, that he is not in a position to speak on behalf of Belarusians," said Gennady, 35, a logistics worker who declined to give his last name.

&nbsp;

Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko's plane landed in the southern Russian city of Sochi on Monday morning ahead of talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko's plane landed in the southern Russian city of Sochi on Monday morning ahead of talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Flight tracking data showed Lukashenko's plane touched down in the Black Sea resort of Sochi, where Putin often hosts visiting dignitaries. Also read: If Belarus falls, Russia will be next, says Lukashenko Lukashenko is seeking Moscow's backing after a fifth consecutive weekend of huge protests demanding his resignation. The fate of the Belarusian leader is in Putin's hands as he faces the gravest crisis of his 26 years in power. Economic and military support from Moscow could help tip the balance in his favour as his security forces crack down hard on the opposition. The Belarusian opposition accuses Lukashenko of rigging last month's presidential election, which he says he won fairly with 80% of the vote. Since then, thousands of people have been arrested and nearly all the opposition's key leaders have been detained, deported or forced to flee the country. Also see: We come in peace: Belarusian women dressed in white protest against corrupt leadership At least 100,000 protesters took to the streets of the capital Minsk on Sunday, taunting Lukashenko with chants of "You're a rat". Police said they detained 774 people at protests across the country. Putin's actions so far suggest he has no desire to see the leader of a neighbouring ex-Soviet country toppled by pressure from the streets - even if Lukashenko has often proved a prickly and difficult ally. Also read: Putin and Lukashenko to discuss 'integration' amid Belarus protests The Kremlin leader said last month he had set up a "reserve police force" at Lukashenko's request, though it would be deployed only if needed. On Monday Russia will send paratroopers to Belarus for joint "Slavic brotherhood" military drills until September 25, as per the defence ministry. Russia has also offered to restructure Belarusian debt and support the banking system. Belarus is the former Soviet republic with the closest political, social, economic and defence relationships with Russia. The two countries even proclaimed a "union state" in the 1990s, complete with a Soviet-style red flag. The cost of further backing from Moscow could be Lukashenko's acceptance of even greater Russian dominance. The Kremlin has long pushed for closer integration, including a joint currency. Lukashenko has resisted some of those measures, and has had a difficult personal relationship with Putin. Yet the Belarusian leader's position could become more precarious should the protests persist. Sunday's demonstration was one of the biggest yet. "We have to show with this march that he doesn't control the country, that he is not in a position to speak on behalf of Belarusians," said Gennady, 35, a logistics worker who declined to give his last name.

Belarusian leader Lukashenko reaches Russia to win Putin's backing

Belarus police detained at least six people on Saturday as anti-government protests continued. The detentions were made in the capital Minsk. Thousands have been detained so far. The fresh detentions came at the start of anti-government protests in Minsk

Hundreds of women gathered in the centre of Minsk to march in the latest demonstration since a disputed presidential election in August.

Protesters are contesting the official count showing President Alexander Lukashenko winning a sixth term with 80% of Sunday's vote and the main opposition challenger with 10%. Crowds have taken to the streets every night since to demand a recount.

Authorities have responded with a crackdown that was unusually brutal even for Lukashenko's 26-year authoritarian rule. Police have dispersed protesters with tear gas, stun grenades, water cannons and rubber bullets and beat them with truncheons. Black-uniformed officers chased protesters into residential buildings and deliberately targeted journalists, beating many and breaking their cameras.

European Union requests urgent debate in UN:

Saying that situation in Belarus has seen a "deterioration" European Union has requested an urgent debate at United Nations. The EU is already aiming for economic sanctions.&nbsp;

"The ongoing deterioration of the human rights situation in Belarus in relation to the 2020 presidential election needs the urgent attention of the Human Rights Council," Germany`s Ambassador to the United Nations Michael von Ungern-Sternberg wrote to the Geneva-based council.

Also Read | <a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/putin-and-lukashenko-to-discuss-integration-amid-belarus-protests-326896">Putin and Lukashenko to discuss 'integration' amid Belarus protests</a> 
 
Western countries are disputing the outcome of August 9 elections that declared President Alexander Lukashenko victorious. Lukashenko denies the allegations that the elections were rigged and has refused to speak with the opposition leaders.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on Friday for authorities in Belarus "to refrain from the use of force against those engaging in peaceful assembly and to ensure that allegations of torture and other mistreatment of people in detention are fully investigated and addressed."

Belarus police detained at least six people on Saturday as anti-government protests continued. The detentions were made in the capital Minsk. Thousands have been detained so far.

Belarus police detained at least six people on Saturday as anti-government protests continued. The detentions were made in the capital Minsk. Thousands have been detained so far. The fresh detentions came at the start of anti-government protests in Minsk Hundreds of women gathered in the centre of Minsk to march in the latest demonstration since a disputed presidential election in August. Protesters are contesting the official count showing President Alexander Lukashenko winning a sixth term with 80% of Sunday's vote and the main opposition challenger with 10%. Crowds have taken to the streets every night since to demand a recount. Authorities have responded with a crackdown that was unusually brutal even for Lukashenko's 26-year authoritarian rule. Police have dispersed protesters with tear gas, stun grenades, water cannons and rubber bullets and beat them with truncheons. Black-uniformed officers chased protesters into residential buildings and deliberately targeted journalists, beating many and breaking their cameras. European Union requests urgent debate in UN: Saying that situation in Belarus has seen a "deterioration" European Union has requested an urgent debate at United Nations. The EU is already aiming for economic sanctions. "The ongoing deterioration of the human rights situation in Belarus in relation to the 2020 presidential election needs the urgent attention of the Human Rights Council," Germany`s Ambassador to the United Nations Michael von Ungern-Sternberg wrote to the Geneva-based council. Also Read | Putin and Lukashenko to discuss 'integration' amid Belarus protests Western countries are disputing the outcome of August 9 elections that declared President Alexander Lukashenko victorious. Lukashenko denies the allegations that the elections were rigged and has refused to speak with the opposition leaders. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on Friday for authorities in Belarus "to refrain from the use of force against those engaging in peaceful assembly and to ensure that allegations of torture and other mistreatment of people in detention are fully investigated and addressed."

Belarus protests: Fresh detentions by police; EU requests urgent debate in UN

Pope Francis on Sunday urdged political leaders to pay heed to what protesters in Belarus were saying. The Pope did not mention Belarus explicitly but his comments have come just as Vatican Foreign Minister Archbishop Paul Gallagher travelled to Belarus to meet civil authorities and minister. The appeal by the Pope is hence being seen in connection with Belarus protests.

Pope Francis made his appeal during his noontime prayer on Sunday.&nbsp;

In addition to urging leaders to listen to protesters, the Pope appealed protesters to make their demands in a peaceful manner and "without falling into temptation of" aggression and violence. He urged Belarus authorities to respect human rights and civil liberties.

The Pope has previously also spoken about anti-racism protests in the US.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belarus-women-march-was-not-funded-from-abroad-says-opposition-327212">Belarus women march was not funded from abroad, says Opposition</a>

Protests have rocked Belarus ever since presidential elections in August declared Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko a winner. This will be Lukashenko's 6th term as the president. He has been ruling for last 26 years.

Although Pope Francis spoke out in favour of the protesters, it is unlikely that a stronger statement will be forthcoming as Catholic Church is still trying to mend its ways with Orthodox Church that holds religious sway in Belarus and Russia.

Protests in Belarus show no signs of stopping anytime soon. On Saturday, about 10,000 women marched through the capital Minsk demanding resignation from Lukashenko.

Pope Francis on Sunday urdged political leaders to pay heed to what protesters in Belarus were saying. The Pope did not mention Belarus explicitly but his comments have come just as Vatican Foreign Minister Archbishop Paul Gallagher travelled to Belarus to meet civil authorities and minister.

Pope Francis on Sunday urdged political leaders to pay heed to what protesters in Belarus were saying. The Pope did not mention Belarus explicitly but his comments have come just as Vatican Foreign Minister Archbishop Paul Gallagher travelled to Belarus to meet civil authorities and minister. The appeal by the Pope is hence being seen in connection with Belarus protests. Pope Francis made his appeal during his noontime prayer on Sunday. In addition to urging leaders to listen to protesters, the Pope appealed protesters to make their demands in a peaceful manner and "without falling into temptation of" aggression and violence. He urged Belarus authorities to respect human rights and civil liberties. The Pope has previously also spoken about anti-racism protests in the US. Also Read | Belarus women march was not funded from abroad, says Opposition Protests have rocked Belarus ever since presidential elections in August declared Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko a winner. This will be Lukashenko's 6th term as the president. He has been ruling for last 26 years. Although Pope Francis spoke out in favour of the protesters, it is unlikely that a stronger statement will be forthcoming as Catholic Church is still trying to mend its ways with Orthodox Church that holds religious sway in Belarus and Russia. Protests in Belarus show no signs of stopping anytime soon. On Saturday, about 10,000 women marched through the capital Minsk demanding resignation from Lukashenko.

Pope Francis urges leaders to listen to Belarus protesters

More than 10,000 women have marched through the Belarusian capital on Saturday in a quietly powerful response to the gruesome violence inflicted on thousands of Belarusians over the previous days.

The women protesters were beating pots and pans and shouting for the resignation of the country's authoritarian president in the 35th consecutive day of large anti-government protests. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belarus-protest-leader-says-she-was-threatened-with-expulsion-alive-or-in-bits-326689">Also read | Belarus protest leader says she was threatened with expulsion 'alive or in bits'</a> 
 
Unprecedented demonstrations broke out in Belarus last month after strongman President Alexander Lukashenko, who has ruled the ex-Soviet state for 26 years, claimed to have defeated opposition candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya and won re-election with 80 percent of the vote on August 9.

Protesters say the election was rigged to hand Lukashenko a phoney landslide win and that Tikhanovskaya - who has since fled to Lithuania - was the real winner.

Thousands of protesters were on the roads, potentially setting the scene for a new show-down with riot police. As the demand for change intensifies and reaches even the factories that are the pride of Alexander Lukashenko’s neo-Soviet economy, the authoritarian ruler ends the week clinging on to power in defiance of an ever-broader coalition of opponents. But from the beginning, this has been an uprising inspired and led by women. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/if-belarus-falls-russia-will-be-next-says-lukashenko-326093">Also read | If Belarus falls, Russia will be next, says Lukashenko</a> 
 
Some protesters have displayed bruises from a violent police crackdown in the days after the election, when over 7000 protesters were detained.

The protests are the largest and most widespread of Mr Lukashenko's 26 years in power. 
Sunday demonstrations in the capital of Minsk have repeatedly brought out crowds of more than 100,000.

Protests have broken out in other major cities in Belarus and strikes have hit some of the country's major state-owned industries, previously a base of support for the embattled 66-year-old leader. 
Mr Lukashenko met Saturday with top officials of the country's security agencies.

Throughout the unrest, he has rejected any concessions, has repeatedly accused Belarus' western neighbours of preparing to overthrow his government.

In one show of aggressive defiance, he was seen striding with an automatic rifle across the grounds of his presidential residence.

As the protests persist, questions loom about possible action by Russia to prop up his regime. 
Mr Lukashenko is meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday in their first face-to-face contact since the unrest began.

Mr Putin has said he stands ready to send Russian police into Belarus if the protests turn violent, stoking fears that Moscow could use the political dissent as an excuse to annex its neighbour.

(With inputs from agencies)

More than 10,000 women have marched through the Belarusian capital on Saturday in a quietly powerful response to the gruesome violence inflicted on thousands of Belarusians over the previous days.

More than 10,000 women have marched through the Belarusian capital on Saturday in a quietly powerful response to the gruesome violence inflicted on thousands of Belarusians over the previous days. The women protesters were beating pots and pans and shouting for the resignation of the country's authoritarian president in the 35th consecutive day of large anti-government protests. Also read | Belarus protest leader says she was threatened with expulsion 'alive or in bits' Unprecedented demonstrations broke out in Belarus last month after strongman President Alexander Lukashenko, who has ruled the ex-Soviet state for 26 years, claimed to have defeated opposition candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya and won re-election with 80 percent of the vote on August 9. Protesters say the election was rigged to hand Lukashenko a phoney landslide win and that Tikhanovskaya - who has since fled to Lithuania - was the real winner. Thousands of protesters were on the roads, potentially setting the scene for a new show-down with riot police. As the demand for change intensifies and reaches even the factories that are the pride of Alexander Lukashenko’s neo-Soviet economy, the authoritarian ruler ends the week clinging on to power in defiance of an ever-broader coalition of opponents. But from the beginning, this has been an uprising inspired and led by women. Also read | If Belarus falls, Russia will be next, says Lukashenko Some protesters have displayed bruises from a violent police crackdown in the days after the election, when over 7000 protesters were detained. The protests are the largest and most widespread of Mr Lukashenko's 26 years in power. Sunday demonstrations in the capital of Minsk have repeatedly brought out crowds of more than 100,000. Protests have broken out in other major cities in Belarus and strikes have hit some of the country's major state-owned industries, previously a base of support for the embattled 66-year-old leader. Mr Lukashenko met Saturday with top officials of the country's security agencies. Throughout the unrest, he has rejected any concessions, has repeatedly accused Belarus' western neighbours of preparing to overthrow his government. In one show of aggressive defiance, he was seen striding with an automatic rifle across the grounds of his presidential residence. As the protests persist, questions loom about possible action by Russia to prop up his regime. Mr Lukashenko is meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday in their first face-to-face contact since the unrest began. Mr Putin has said he stands ready to send Russian police into Belarus if the protests turn violent, stoking fears that Moscow could use the political dissent as an excuse to annex its neighbour. (With inputs from agencies)

Thousands of women protest in Belarus demanding Lukashenko's resignation

Belarusian opposition-led Coordination Council refuted claims that the all-women march in the capital Minsk was funded from abroad. The Belarusian national TV earlier released a story claiming that a company by the name of PandaDoc was soliciting funds from the US State Department for opposition rallies and specifically all-women rallies.

A few PandaDoc senior staff in Belarus were arrested and faced with criminal persecution on fraud charges after CEO Mikita Mikado vowed support to the pro-opposition protests and offered assistance to officers who chose to quit the law enforcement.

"The female protest movement in Belarus exists thanks to the strength, courage and political will of women in Belarus and does not receive funding from outside Belarus," the Coordination Council`s female arm said in a statement.

The women's march on Saturday comprised of about 10,000 women who marched through Minsk demanding resignation of president Alexander Lukashenko.

Also Read | <a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/thousands-of-women-protest-in-belarus-demanding-lukashenkos-resignation-327120">Thousands of women protest in Belarus demanding Lukashenko's resignation</a> 
 
Huge protests broke out in Belarus since last month after presidential election on August 9 declared incumbent president Lukashenko victorious. This victory saw Lukashenko getting re-elected for a sixth term.

Although election authorities claimed that Lukashenko secured over 80 per cent of the vote, the Opposition insists that Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, an Opposition candidate, won the election.

More than 6,700 people were detained during the initial phase of the protest. According to the Belarusian Interior Ministry, three people died and several hundred others sustained injuries during that period, including more than 130 security officers.The Coordination Council was established on August 14 with the goal to carry out a peaceful transition of power.

Belarusian opposition-led Coordination Council refuted claims that the all-women march in the capital Minsk was funded from abroad. The Belarusian national TV earlier released a story claiming that a company by the name of PandaDoc was soliciting funds from the US State Department for opposition rallies and specifically all-women rallies.

Belarusian opposition-led Coordination Council refuted claims that the all-women march in the capital Minsk was funded from abroad. The Belarusian national TV earlier released a story claiming that a company by the name of PandaDoc was soliciting funds from the US State Department for opposition rallies and specifically all-women rallies. A few PandaDoc senior staff in Belarus were arrested and faced with criminal persecution on fraud charges after CEO Mikita Mikado vowed support to the pro-opposition protests and offered assistance to officers who chose to quit the law enforcement. "The female protest movement in Belarus exists thanks to the strength, courage and political will of women in Belarus and does not receive funding from outside Belarus," the Coordination Council`s female arm said in a statement. The women's march on Saturday comprised of about 10,000 women who marched through Minsk demanding resignation of president Alexander Lukashenko. Also Read | Thousands of women protest in Belarus demanding Lukashenko's resignation Huge protests broke out in Belarus since last month after presidential election on August 9 declared incumbent president Lukashenko victorious. This victory saw Lukashenko getting re-elected for a sixth term. Although election authorities claimed that Lukashenko secured over 80 per cent of the vote, the Opposition insists that Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, an Opposition candidate, won the election. More than 6,700 people were detained during the initial phase of the protest. According to the Belarusian Interior Ministry, three people died and several hundred others sustained injuries during that period, including more than 130 security officers.The Coordination Council was established on August 14 with the goal to carry out a peaceful transition of power.

Belarus women march was not funded from abroad, says Opposition

Demonstrations in Belarus capital Minsk continuous as thousands of women protesters took to streets. Protesters demand release of opposition leader Maria Kolesnikova. Police detained thousands of female protesters & threw them into van.

Several women gathered to support Maria Kolesnikova in Minsk

Belarusian opposition figure Maria Kolesnikova has called for security officers to face criminal charges for abduction and death threats after she disappeared and was imprisoned.

Belarus unrest: Belarus opposition leader urges probe over death threats

A detained Belarusian opposition leader has said she feared for her life when security officers threw a bag over her head during an attempt to deport her.

Belarus opposition leader Maria Kolesnikova tore up passport to avoid expulsion

Belarusian President crackdown on Alexander Lukashenko on the opposition continues. Maxim Znak has now been detained by masked men wearing plain clothes

Belarus unrest: 'Masked men' seize opposition figure, Maxim Znak detained

Belarus’s opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya on Wednesday said that foreign countries need to play a mediation role if Belarus is not able to resolve its own internal conflict. She is currently in exile.

"In a situation where we were not able to resolve this problem alone, maybe in the future we would ask other countries to act as mediators in future negotiations," Tsikhanouskaya said in the town of Karpacz.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/another-belarus-opposition-politician-maxim-znak-is-seized-by-masked-men-326232" hreflang="en">Another Belarus opposition politician, Maxim Znak, is seized by masked men</a>

"I think it is impossible to fight violence and give violence," she had earlier said in a speech at Warsaw University.

Earlier, both the opposition within the country, along with the European Union referred to the ongoing crisis as an “internal matter”, which Belarusians should be able to deal with themselves.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/belarus-opposition-leader-disappears-after-being-detained-by-masked-men-325877/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Lukashenko says 'foreign influence' causing protests

Meanwhile, “Europe’s last dictator” and President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko on Wednesday said that "foreign influence" is causing the protests across the country. Roughly translated by Reuters, his words implied "There is no any unrest in the country. And you know, without the external force - there would have not been even that."

"What do I mean - the external force?&nbsp;The one that is controlled from the outside. In this case, we and Russians know who operates and from where. Americans operate from a hub near Warsaw", he said.

He further went on to ask for Slavic states to show solidarity in the face of "foreign influence".&nbsp;"Russia, and Belarus - Ukraine&nbsp;- are Slavic states who needs a strong leader who has certain powers and authority. This is his strength. Maybe not such powers and authority Belarus president has. Maybe... The problem is not even the (Belarus) constitution. Many presidential powers are unthinkably huge. They need to be delegated to governors, to parliament", he said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/if-belarus-falls-russia-will-be-next-says-lukashenko-326093" hreflang="en">If Belarus falls, Russia will be next, says Lukashenko</a>

He also acknowledged his 26 year long rule. Lukashenko has ruled Belarus since the break up of USSR. "Probably, I have been in power for too long. Well, turn on the iron - and here I am (telling) the election program, turn on the electric kettle - here is&nbsp;Lukashenko, turn on the TV -&nbsp;Lukashenko&nbsp;and so on. And, probably, some people are a little tired of it", he added.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on Tuesday suggested that Russia would be next if his regime falls in the face of a wave of mass demonstrations.

"You know what we concluded with the Russian establishment and leadership? If Belarus falls, Russia will be next," state news agency RIA Novosti quoted Lukashenko as saying in an interview with several Russian media.

Belarus’s opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya on Wednesday said that foreign countries need to play a mediation role if Belarus is not able to resolve its own internal conflict.

Belarus’s opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya on Wednesday said that foreign countries need to play a mediation role if Belarus is not able to resolve its own internal conflict. She is currently in exile. "In a situation where we were not able to resolve this problem alone, maybe in the future we would ask other countries to act as mediators in future negotiations," Tsikhanouskaya said in the town of Karpacz. Also read: Another Belarus opposition politician, Maxim Znak, is seized by masked men "I think it is impossible to fight violence and give violence," she had earlier said in a speech at Warsaw University. Earlier, both the opposition within the country, along with the European Union referred to the ongoing crisis as an “internal matter”, which Belarusians should be able to deal with themselves. Lukashenko says 'foreign influence' causing protests Meanwhile, “Europe’s last dictator” and President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko on Wednesday said that "foreign influence" is causing the protests across the country. Roughly translated by Reuters, his words implied "There is no any unrest in the country. And you know, without the external force - there would have not been even that." "What do I mean - the external force? The one that is controlled from the outside. In this case, we and Russians know who operates and from where. Americans operate from a hub near Warsaw", he said. He further went on to ask for Slavic states to show solidarity in the face of "foreign influence". "Russia, and Belarus - Ukraine - are Slavic states who needs a strong leader who has certain powers and authority. This is his strength. Maybe not such powers and authority Belarus president has. Maybe... The problem is not even the (Belarus) constitution. Many presidential powers are unthinkably huge. They need to be delegated to governors, to parliament", he said. Also read: If Belarus falls, Russia will be next, says Lukashenko He also acknowledged his 26 year long rule. Lukashenko has ruled Belarus since the break up of USSR. "Probably, I have been in power for too long. Well, turn on the iron - and here I am (telling) the election program, turn on the electric kettle - here is Lukashenko, turn on the TV - Lukashenko and so on. And, probably, some people are a little tired of it", he added. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on Tuesday suggested that Russia would be next if his regime falls in the face of a wave of mass demonstrations. "You know what we concluded with the Russian establishment and leadership? If Belarus falls, Russia will be next," state news agency RIA Novosti quoted Lukashenko as saying in an interview with several Russian media.

Belarus: Opposition leader urges foreign countries to mediate, while Lukashenko calls the protests 'foreign influence'

Belarus President, dubbed as Europe's last dictator, Alexander Lukashenko is facing nationwide protests for the allegedly rigged elections in which he recently claimed victory. Thousands have taken to the streets calling for fresh elections in the country, and for Lukashenko to step down from power.

The leader on Wednesday said that "foreign influence" is causing the protests across the country. Roughly translated by Reuters, his words implied "There is no any unrest in the country. And you know, without the external force - there would have not been even that."

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/belarus-protesters-continue-pressure-on-lukashenko-325766/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"What do I mean - the external force?&nbsp;The one that is controlled from the outside. In this case, we and Russians know who operates and from where. Americans operate from a hub near Warsaw", he said.

He further went on to ask for Slavic states to show solidarity in the face of "foreign influence".&nbsp;"Russia, and Belarus - Ukraine&nbsp;- are Slavic states who needs a strong leader who has certain powers and authority. This is his strength. Maybe not such powers and authority Belarus president has. Maybe... The problem is not even the (Belarus) constitution. Many presidential powers are unthinkably huge. They need to be delegated to governors, to parliament", he said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-president-putin-vows-military-support-for-belarus-lukashenko-323552">Russian President Putin vows military support for Belarus' Lukashenko</a>

He also acknowledged his 26 year long rule. Lukashenko has ruled Belarus since the break up of USSR. "Probably, I have been in power for too long. Well, turn on the iron - and here I am (telling) the election program, turn on the electric kettle - here is&nbsp;Lukashenko, turn on the TV -&nbsp;Lukashenko&nbsp;and so on. And, probably, some people are a little tired of it", he added.

'Russia is next'

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on Tuesday suggested that Russia would be next if his regime falls in the face of a wave of mass demonstrations.

"You know what we concluded with the Russian establishment and leadership? If Belarus falls, Russia will be next," state news agency RIA Novosti quoted Lukashenko as saying in an interview with several Russian media.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-to-impose-sanctions-on-31-senior-belarusian-officials-over-recent-election-report-325762">EU to impose sanctions on 31 senior Belarusian officials over recent election: Report</a>

He also said he may have stayed in power as president a little too long, but said he was the only person capable of protecting the country for now.

Lukashenko&nbsp;has ruled Belarus since 1994 and claimed victory in a contested August&nbsp;9 presidential election which his opponents say was massively rigged.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has already vowed military support for embattled Belarusian leader, although it would not be deployed unless unrest there spun out of control.

The 65-year-old Belarusian strongman's relationship with Putin had soured ahead of the ballot because Minsk refused closer integration with Russia and even claimed Moscow had sent mercenaries across the border to organise riots. Russia sees Belarus as a strategic buffer against NATO and the EU.

Belarus President, dubbed as Europe's last dictator, Alexander Lukashenko is facing nationwide protests for the allegedly rigged elections in which he recently claimed victory.

Belarus President, dubbed as Europe's last dictator, Alexander Lukashenko is facing nationwide protests for the allegedly rigged elections in which he recently claimed victory. Thousands have taken to the streets calling for fresh elections in the country, and for Lukashenko to step down from power. The leader on Wednesday said that "foreign influence" is causing the protests across the country. Roughly translated by Reuters, his words implied "There is no any unrest in the country. And you know, without the external force - there would have not been even that." "What do I mean - the external force? The one that is controlled from the outside. In this case, we and Russians know who operates and from where. Americans operate from a hub near Warsaw", he said. He further went on to ask for Slavic states to show solidarity in the face of "foreign influence". "Russia, and Belarus - Ukraine - are Slavic states who needs a strong leader who has certain powers and authority. This is his strength. Maybe not such powers and authority Belarus president has. Maybe... The problem is not even the (Belarus) constitution. Many presidential powers are unthinkably huge. They need to be delegated to governors, to parliament", he said. Also read: Russian President Putin vows military support for Belarus' Lukashenko He also acknowledged his 26 year long rule. Lukashenko has ruled Belarus since the break up of USSR. "Probably, I have been in power for too long. Well, turn on the iron - and here I am (telling) the election program, turn on the electric kettle - here is Lukashenko, turn on the TV - Lukashenko and so on. And, probably, some people are a little tired of it", he added. 'Russia is next' Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on Tuesday suggested that Russia would be next if his regime falls in the face of a wave of mass demonstrations. "You know what we concluded with the Russian establishment and leadership? If Belarus falls, Russia will be next," state news agency RIA Novosti quoted Lukashenko as saying in an interview with several Russian media. Also read: EU to impose sanctions on 31 senior Belarusian officials over recent election: Report He also said he may have stayed in power as president a little too long, but said he was the only person capable of protecting the country for now. Lukashenko has ruled Belarus since 1994 and claimed victory in a contested August 9 presidential election which his opponents say was massively rigged. Russian President Vladimir Putin has already vowed military support for embattled Belarusian leader, although it would not be deployed unless unrest there spun out of control. The 65-year-old Belarusian strongman's relationship with Putin had soured ahead of the ballot because Minsk refused closer integration with Russia and even claimed Moscow had sent mercenaries across the border to organise riots. Russia sees Belarus as a strategic buffer against NATO and the EU.

Belarusian President Lukashenko says protests caused by foreign influence

Nobel prize-winning author Svetlana Alexievich accused the Belarus authorities of terrorising their own people on Wednesday as another opposition politician was detained by masked men in plain clothes.

Maxim Znak was the latest figure to be seized in a systematic campaign by the government of President Alexander Lukashenko to round up the leaders of a month-long mass protest movement.

"What is happening is terror against the people," said Alexievich, who summoned supporters to her home after being harassed by repeated phone calls from unknown numbers and constant ringing by strangers at her door.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/another-belarus-opposition-politician-maxim-znak-is-seized-by-masked-men-326232" hreflang="en">Another Belarus opposition politician, Maxim Znak, is seized by masked men</a>

"We have to unite and not give up our intentions. There is a danger we will lose the country," she said.

In a show of solidarity with Alexievich, who won the 2015 Nobel Prize for Literature, diplomats from several European countries went to join the author in her flat.

Znak was detained two days after another opposition leader, Maria Kolesnikova, was snatched in the street by masked men. Both are prominent leaders of protests demanding the resignation of Lukashenko following an Aug. 9 presidential election that the opposition says was rigged. Lukashenko denies vote-rigging.

Znak and Alexievich were the last members of the opposition's Coordination Council still active inside Belarus.

All the rest have fled, been forced abroad or detained in a crackdown by Lukashenko's security forces as he seeks to maintain his 26-year grip on power. The interior ministry said 121 more protesters had been arrested across the country on Tuesday.

Lukashenko accuses Western countries of meddling by supporting the opposition. Linas Linkevicius, Lithuania's foreign minister, told Reuters diplomats had gone to Alexievich's apartment to monitor the situation, "and in a certain sense they are the defence, because it is harder to resort to brutal methods when diplomatic staff is around".

"They are visitors to citizen Alexievich, at her invitation," he said. "She is a citizen, she has a flat, and there are guests in the flat".

NOTHING TO DISCUSS

Russian news agencies quoted Lukashenko as saying there was nothing to discuss with the opposition. He raised the possibility of constitutional reform and a new presidential election -- suggestions he has made in the past -- but said it was too early to say when they might happen.

The 66-year-old leader retains the backing of Russian President Vladimir Putin. The West has so far been cautious about the prospect of provoking Russian intervention, but the European Union is drawing up a list of individuals to target with sanctions.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/if-belarus-falls-russia-will-be-next-says-lukashenko-326093" hreflang="en">If Belarus falls, Russia will be next, says Lukashenko</a>

For Russia, Belarus is strategically important as a buffer state against NATO and a transit country for its exports of oil and gas. Russian news agency RIA said Lukashenko would visit Moscow for talks on Monday.

The detention of Znak on Wednesday was part of a criminal case against the opposition's Coordination Council "for inciting actions aimed at harming the national security of the Republic of Belarus", his lawyer Dmitry Laevsky said.

Fellow opposition leader Kolesnikova was seized in similar circumstances on Monday. On Tuesday she thwarted an attempt to deport her by tearing up her passport to avoid being forced to cross the border into Ukraine, two of her allies said.

The opposition said Kolesnikova had been brought back to the capital Minsk and was being held in a pre-trial detention centre. Authorities have not said where she is being held.

Nobel prize-winning author Svetlana Alexievich accused the Belarus authorities of terrorising their own people on Wednesday as another opposition politician was detained by masked men in plain clothes.

Nobel prize-winning author Svetlana Alexievich accused the Belarus authorities of terrorising their own people on Wednesday as another opposition politician was detained by masked men in plain clothes. Maxim Znak was the latest figure to be seized in a systematic campaign by the government of President Alexander Lukashenko to round up the leaders of a month-long mass protest movement. "What is happening is terror against the people," said Alexievich, who summoned supporters to her home after being harassed by repeated phone calls from unknown numbers and constant ringing by strangers at her door. Also read: Another Belarus opposition politician, Maxim Znak, is seized by masked men "We have to unite and not give up our intentions. There is a danger we will lose the country," she said. In a show of solidarity with Alexievich, who won the 2015 Nobel Prize for Literature, diplomats from several European countries went to join the author in her flat. Znak was detained two days after another opposition leader, Maria Kolesnikova, was snatched in the street by masked men. Both are prominent leaders of protests demanding the resignation of Lukashenko following an Aug. 9 presidential election that the opposition says was rigged. Lukashenko denies vote-rigging. Znak and Alexievich were the last members of the opposition's Coordination Council still active inside Belarus. All the rest have fled, been forced abroad or detained in a crackdown by Lukashenko's security forces as he seeks to maintain his 26-year grip on power. The interior ministry said 121 more protesters had been arrested across the country on Tuesday. Lukashenko accuses Western countries of meddling by supporting the opposition. Linas Linkevicius, Lithuania's foreign minister, told Reuters diplomats had gone to Alexievich's apartment to monitor the situation, "and in a certain sense they are the defence, because it is harder to resort to brutal methods when diplomatic staff is around". "They are visitors to citizen Alexievich, at her invitation," he said. "She is a citizen, she has a flat, and there are guests in the flat". NOTHING TO DISCUSS Russian news agencies quoted Lukashenko as saying there was nothing to discuss with the opposition. He raised the possibility of constitutional reform and a new presidential election -- suggestions he has made in the past -- but said it was too early to say when they might happen. The 66-year-old leader retains the backing of Russian President Vladimir Putin. The West has so far been cautious about the prospect of provoking Russian intervention, but the European Union is drawing up a list of individuals to target with sanctions. Also read: If Belarus falls, Russia will be next, says Lukashenko For Russia, Belarus is strategically important as a buffer state against NATO and a transit country for its exports of oil and gas. Russian news agency RIA said Lukashenko would visit Moscow for talks on Monday. The detention of Znak on Wednesday was part of a criminal case against the opposition's Coordination Council "for inciting actions aimed at harming the national security of the Republic of Belarus", his lawyer Dmitry Laevsky said. Fellow opposition leader Kolesnikova was seized in similar circumstances on Monday. On Tuesday she thwarted an attempt to deport her by tearing up her passport to avoid being forced to cross the border into Ukraine, two of her allies said. The opposition said Kolesnikova had been brought back to the capital Minsk and was being held in a pre-trial detention centre. Authorities have not said where she is being held.

Nobel laureate Alexievich denounces Belarus 'terror' as another activist is detained

Belarus opposition politician Maxim Znak was detained on Wednesday by masked men wearing plain clothes, supporters said, as authorities extended a systematic campaign to round up the leaders of a month-long mass protest movement.

Znak was detained two days after another opposition leader, Maria Kolesnikova, was snatched in the street by masked men. Both are prominent leaders of protests demanding the resignation of President Alexander Lukashenko following an Aug. 9 election that the opposition says was rigged.

Znak was the last member of the opposition's Coordination Council still active inside Belarus apart from Nobel prize-winning author Svetlana Alexievich, who has served as a figurehead for the movement.

All the rest have fled, been forced abroad or been detained in a crackdown by Lukashenko's security forces as he seeks to maintain his 26-year grip on power in the former Soviet republic.

"I demand the immediate release of Maxim Znak who was detained, or more accurately abducted, today. The methods employed by the so-called authorities are outrageous," said Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who ran against Lukashenko in the election and fled soon afterwards to Lithuania.

"It's clear Lukashenko is afraid of negotiations and is trying in this way to paralyse the work of the Coordination Council and intimidate its members. But there is no alternative to negotiations, and Lukashenko will have to accept this."

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The Coordination Council quoted Znak's lawyer, Dmitry Laevsky, as saying the state Investigative Committee had opened a criminal case against it "for inciting actions aimed at harming the national security of the Republic of Belarus".

State investigators were also searching the headquarters of jailed opposition politician Viktor Babariko, Interfax news agency said.

On Tuesday, prominent opposition leader Kolesnikova thwarted an attempt to deport her by tearing up her passport to avoid being forced to cross the border into Ukraine, two of her allies said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/if-belarus-falls-russia-will-be-next-says-lukashenko-326093">Also read:&nbsp;If Belarus falls, Russia will be next, says Lukashenko</a>

She remains in detention, her whereabouts unknown.

Washington voices concern

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement on Tuesday that Washington was "deeply concerned by the reported abduction" of Kolesnikova and two other opposition figures who were rounded up at the same time and forced to leave for Ukraine.

He called on the Belarusian authorities to "release all those who have been unjustly detained".

Lukashenko denies opponents' accusations of vote-rigging and has accused foreign powers of trying to topple him in a revolution. He retains the backing of Russian President Vladimir Putin, an important ally, but faces the likelihood of European Union sanctions later this month against Belarusian officials involved in the election and its violent aftermath.

"Europe must quickly agree on a list of sanctions. And from my point of view, it should include Lukashenko, the head of this system," Manfred Weber, a senior German conservative and head of the largest grouping in the EU Parliament, told German public broadcaster ZDF.

Belarus opposition politician Maxim Znak was detained on Wednesday by masked men wearing plain clothes, supporters said, as authorities extended a systematic campaign to round up the leaders of a month-long mass protest movement.

Belarus opposition politician Maxim Znak was detained on Wednesday by masked men wearing plain clothes, supporters said, as authorities extended a systematic campaign to round up the leaders of a month-long mass protest movement. Znak was detained two days after another opposition leader, Maria Kolesnikova, was snatched in the street by masked men. Both are prominent leaders of protests demanding the resignation of President Alexander Lukashenko following an Aug. 9 election that the opposition says was rigged. Znak was the last member of the opposition's Coordination Council still active inside Belarus apart from Nobel prize-winning author Svetlana Alexievich, who has served as a figurehead for the movement. All the rest have fled, been forced abroad or been detained in a crackdown by Lukashenko's security forces as he seeks to maintain his 26-year grip on power in the former Soviet republic. "I demand the immediate release of Maxim Znak who was detained, or more accurately abducted, today. The methods employed by the so-called authorities are outrageous," said Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who ran against Lukashenko in the election and fled soon afterwards to Lithuania. "It's clear Lukashenko is afraid of negotiations and is trying in this way to paralyse the work of the Coordination Council and intimidate its members. But there is no alternative to negotiations, and Lukashenko will have to accept this." × The Coordination Council quoted Znak's lawyer, Dmitry Laevsky, as saying the state Investigative Committee had opened a criminal case against it "for inciting actions aimed at harming the national security of the Republic of Belarus". State investigators were also searching the headquarters of jailed opposition politician Viktor Babariko, Interfax news agency said. On Tuesday, prominent opposition leader Kolesnikova thwarted an attempt to deport her by tearing up her passport to avoid being forced to cross the border into Ukraine, two of her allies said. Also read: If Belarus falls, Russia will be next, says Lukashenko She remains in detention, her whereabouts unknown. Washington voices concern U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement on Tuesday that Washington was "deeply concerned by the reported abduction" of Kolesnikova and two other opposition figures who were rounded up at the same time and forced to leave for Ukraine. He called on the Belarusian authorities to "release all those who have been unjustly detained". Lukashenko denies opponents' accusations of vote-rigging and has accused foreign powers of trying to topple him in a revolution. He retains the backing of Russian President Vladimir Putin, an important ally, but faces the likelihood of European Union sanctions later this month against Belarusian officials involved in the election and its violent aftermath. "Europe must quickly agree on a list of sanctions. And from my point of view, it should include Lukashenko, the head of this system," Manfred Weber, a senior German conservative and head of the largest grouping in the EU Parliament, told German public broadcaster ZDF.

Another Belarus opposition politician, Maxim Znak, is seized by masked men

Masked men detained Belarusian protest leader Maria Kolesnikova in central Minsk on Monday morning and drove her away in a van and two of her allies also disappeared later, the opposition movement said.

Belarus: Opposition leader disappears after being detained by masked men

Masked men detained Belarusian protest leader Maria Kolesnikova in central Minsk on Monday morning and drove her away in a van and two of her allies also disappeared later, the opposition movement said.

Kolesnikova, a member of the opposition coordination council, is the last of three female politicians left in Belarus who joined forces before an Aug. 9 presidential election to try to challenge veteran incumbent Alexander Lukashenko.

A vocal critic of Lukashenko, she has played an important role in weeks of mass demonstrations and strikes by protesters who accuse Lukashenko of rigging his re-election.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/belarus-protesters-keep-pressure-on-lukashenko-with-new-march-325562" hreflang="en">Belarus protesters keep pressure on Lukashenko with new march</a>

Lukashenko, who has been in power for the last 26 years, denies that allegation and has accused foreign powers of trying to topple him in a revolution. He has responded with a crackdown which some those detained say includes torture and beatings.

Three European Union diplomats told Reuters that the EU is now preparing to impose economic sanctions on 31 senior Belarus officials, including the interior minister, in response to the election and subsequent crackdown.

Facing his deepest crisis yet, Lukashenko retains the support of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has promised to send in police to support him if needed.

Kolesnikova's abduction, if confirmed, comes as Belarusian authorities appear to be stepping up their efforts to try to halt the protests and obstruct the work of the opposition council, which they have accused of plotting to overthrow Lukashenko.

On Sunday, tens of thousands of people demonstrated across the country demanding Lukashenko step down. Security forces detained 633 protesters, Belarusian authorities said.

MASKED MEN

Police in Minsk were cited by Russia's Interfax news agency as saying they had not detained Kolesnikova.

A witness, Anastasia, was cited by the Tut.By media outlet as saying she had seen Kolesnikova pushed into a dark-coloured van by masked men in plain clothes in central Minsk.

She said Kolesnikova's mobile phone had dropped to the ground during the tussle and that one of the masked men detaining her had picked it up before the van sped off.

The opposition council said two other activists, Anton Rodnenkov and Ivan Kravtsov, disappeared soon afterwards and said the authorities appeared to be systematically targeting its members.

"It's obvious that these methods are illegal and cannot lead to anything else apart from an escalation in the situation in the country, deepening the crisis and fuelling protests," it said in a statement.

"We see that the authorities have openly begun to use terror tactics in recent days," it added, calling the actions crimes against humanity.

Lithuanian Foreign Minister Linas Linkevicius likened what had happened to Kolesnikova to something that the Stalin-era secret police in the Soviet Union would have done.

"Instead of talking to the people of Belarus, the outgoing leadership is trying cynically (to) eliminate (them) one by one," he wrote on Twitter.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/eu-to-impose-sanctions-on-31-senior-belarusian-officials-over-recent-election-report-325762" hreflang="en">EU to impose sanctions on 31 senior Belarusian officials over recent election: Report</a>

"The kidnapping...is a disgrace. Stalinist NKVD methods are being applied in 21st century Europe. She must be released immediately".

Before the election, Kolesnikova had joined forces with opposition presidential candidate Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya who later fled to Lithuania, and with Veronika Tsepkalo, who has since left for Poland.

Another leading activist, Olga Kovalkova, arrived in Poland on Saturday, saying she had been told she would face arrest if she stayed in Belarus.

The crisis is hitting the Belarus economy. Central bank figures published on Monday showed the former Soviet republic had burned through nearly a sixth of its gold and foreign exchange reserves, or $1.4 billion, in August, as it fought to prop up its rouble currency during the wave of unrest.

Masked men detained Belarusian protest leader Maria Kolesnikova in central Minsk on Monday morning and drove her away in a van and two of her allies also disappeared later, the opposition movement said. Kolesnikova, a member of the opposition coordination council, is the last of three female politicians left in Belarus who joined forces before an Aug. 9 presidential election to try to challenge veteran incumbent Alexander Lukashenko. A vocal critic of Lukashenko, she has played an important role in weeks of mass demonstrations and strikes by protesters who accuse Lukashenko of rigging his re-election. Also read: Belarus protesters keep pressure on Lukashenko with new march Lukashenko, who has been in power for the last 26 years, denies that allegation and has accused foreign powers of trying to topple him in a revolution. He has responded with a crackdown which some those detained say includes torture and beatings. Three European Union diplomats told Reuters that the EU is now preparing to impose economic sanctions on 31 senior Belarus officials, including the interior minister, in response to the election and subsequent crackdown. Facing his deepest crisis yet, Lukashenko retains the support of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has promised to send in police to support him if needed. Kolesnikova's abduction, if confirmed, comes as Belarusian authorities appear to be stepping up their efforts to try to halt the protests and obstruct the work of the opposition council, which they have accused of plotting to overthrow Lukashenko. On Sunday, tens of thousands of people demonstrated across the country demanding Lukashenko step down. Security forces detained 633 protesters, Belarusian authorities said. MASKED MEN Police in Minsk were cited by Russia's Interfax news agency as saying they had not detained Kolesnikova. A witness, Anastasia, was cited by the Tut.By media outlet as saying she had seen Kolesnikova pushed into a dark-coloured van by masked men in plain clothes in central Minsk. She said Kolesnikova's mobile phone had dropped to the ground during the tussle and that one of the masked men detaining her had picked it up before the van sped off. The opposition council said two other activists, Anton Rodnenkov and Ivan Kravtsov, disappeared soon afterwards and said the authorities appeared to be systematically targeting its members. "It's obvious that these methods are illegal and cannot lead to anything else apart from an escalation in the situation in the country, deepening the crisis and fuelling protests," it said in a statement. "We see that the authorities have openly begun to use terror tactics in recent days," it added, calling the actions crimes against humanity. Lithuanian Foreign Minister Linas Linkevicius likened what had happened to Kolesnikova to something that the Stalin-era secret police in the Soviet Union would have done. "Instead of talking to the people of Belarus, the outgoing leadership is trying cynically (to) eliminate (them) one by one," he wrote on Twitter. Also read: EU to impose sanctions on 31 senior Belarusian officials over recent election: Report "The kidnapping...is a disgrace. Stalinist NKVD methods are being applied in 21st century Europe. She must be released immediately". Before the election, Kolesnikova had joined forces with opposition presidential candidate Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya who later fled to Lithuania, and with Veronika Tsepkalo, who has since left for Poland. Another leading activist, Olga Kovalkova, arrived in Poland on Saturday, saying she had been told she would face arrest if she stayed in Belarus. The crisis is hitting the Belarus economy. Central bank figures published on Monday showed the former Soviet republic had burned through nearly a sixth of its gold and foreign exchange reserves, or $1.4 billion, in August, as it fought to prop up its rouble currency during the wave of unrest.

Belarusian protest leader disappears after being detained by masked men

The European Union is set to impose economic sanctions on 31 senior Belarusian officials, according to a Reuters report.&nbsp;

The list will include Belarus’ interior minister, and will be put out by mid-September, three EU diplomats claimed.

Fresh elections

EU wants fresh elections in Belarus after Alexander Lukashenko claimed victory in allegedly disputed elections. He has ruled the country for 26 years.

"We initially agreed on 14 names but many states felt that was not sufficient. We have now reached consensus on another 17," one EU diplomat told Reuters. "These are senior officials responsible for the election, for violence and for the crackdown."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/belarus-protesters-keep-pressure-on-lukashenko-with-new-march-325562" hreflang="en">Belarus protesters keep pressure on Lukashenko with new march</a>

Additionally, EU foreign ministers have given their approval for the sanctions, including travel bands and asset freezes. This was decided last month in Berlin, but with no clear names in sight.

Greece and Cyprus are focused on imposing sanctions on Turkey in the Eastern Mediterranean, which is why they are yet to extend their support to sanctions against Belarus.

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Consensus needed

The diplomats said that all 27 EU countries must reach a consensus on these sanctions to ensure tough measures against Belarus.

The formal agreement will most likely come on September 21, when the next meeting among foreign ministers takes place. The sanctions, then, would come into effect starting September 22.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/masked-men-drag-protesting-belarusian-students-off-the-streets-325432" hreflang="en">Masked men drag protesting Belarusian students off the streets</a>

Recently, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia imposed sanctions on Belarus in the aftermath of crackdown in the country. EU has kept hush over the names on the list, for people may then be warned, and would then be able to move their assets out of banks.

Even though the interior minister, along with other ministers are expected to be on the list, Lukashenko’s name will not be added.

Germany currently holds the six-month presidency of the EU, and wants to push for more dialogue before sanctions are taken out against Lukashenko.

The European Union is set to impose economic sanctions on 31 senior Belarusian officials, according to a Reuters report. The list will include Belarus’ interior minister, and will be put out by mid-September, three EU diplomats claimed.

The European Union is set to impose economic sanctions on 31 senior Belarusian officials, according to a Reuters report. The list will include Belarus’ interior minister, and will be put out by mid-September, three EU diplomats claimed. Fresh elections EU wants fresh elections in Belarus after Alexander Lukashenko claimed victory in allegedly disputed elections. He has ruled the country for 26 years. "We initially agreed on 14 names but many states felt that was not sufficient. We have now reached consensus on another 17," one EU diplomat told Reuters. "These are senior officials responsible for the election, for violence and for the crackdown." Also read: Belarus protesters keep pressure on Lukashenko with new march Additionally, EU foreign ministers have given their approval for the sanctions, including travel bands and asset freezes. This was decided last month in Berlin, but with no clear names in sight. Greece and Cyprus are focused on imposing sanctions on Turkey in the Eastern Mediterranean, which is why they are yet to extend their support to sanctions against Belarus. Consensus needed The diplomats said that all 27 EU countries must reach a consensus on these sanctions to ensure tough measures against Belarus. The formal agreement will most likely come on September 21, when the next meeting among foreign ministers takes place. The sanctions, then, would come into effect starting September 22. Also read: Masked men drag protesting Belarusian students off the streets Recently, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia imposed sanctions on Belarus in the aftermath of crackdown in the country. EU has kept hush over the names on the list, for people may then be warned, and would then be able to move their assets out of banks. Even though the interior minister, along with other ministers are expected to be on the list, Lukashenko’s name will not be added. Germany currently holds the six-month presidency of the EU, and wants to push for more dialogue before sanctions are taken out against Lukashenko.

EU to impose sanctions on 31 senior Belarusian officials over recent election: Report

Tens of thousands of people marched through Minsk on Sunday calling on Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko to step down in mass demonstrations that showed no sign of abating nearly a month after an election his opponents say was rigged.

Belarus protesters continue pressure on Lukashenko

More than 100,000 people filled Minsk’s Independence Avenue calling for Lukashenko to step down. Authorities detained over 600 people across the country.

100,000 turn out on streets in Minsk against strongman Lukashenko

Tens of thousands of people marched through Minsk on Sunday (September 6) calling on Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko to step down, in mass demonstrations that showed no sign of abating nearly a month after an election his opponents say was rigged.

Belarus: People continue to protest against Lukashenko

Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, a Belarusian opposition figure and a former presidential candidate, is going to visit Warsaw and meet. Thousands of women hold march through Minsk.

Protest in Belarus continues for the fourth weekend, Tikhanovskaya to meet PM

Belarusian protesters on Sunday prepared a new mass demonstration against strongman Alexander Lukashenko who has refused to quit after a disputed re-election and turned to Russia for help.

Unprecedented protests broke out in the ex-Soviet country after Lukashenko, who has ruled the ex-Soviet state for 26 years, claimed re-election with 80 percent of the vote on August 9.

Opposition rival Svetlana Tikhanovskaya says she has won the vote but Lukashenko's security forces have detained thousands of protesters, many of whom accused police of beatings and torture.

Several people have died in the crackdown but Belarusians have been demonstrating across the country for nearly a month, with more than 100,000 people flooding the streets of the capital Minsk for three straight weekends.

Dozens of people including student protesters and journalists covering rallies were detained this week.

On Saturday, around 4,000 people took to the streets and more than 90 people were detained, the interior ministry said.

- 'Strong when united' -

Tikhanovskaya, a 37-year-old political novice, urged supporters to turn up for Sunday's "March of Unity" set to begin at 1100 GMT.

"Remember we are strong as long as we are united," she said in a short video address.

Tikhanovskaya contested the election after her blogger husband was jailed and barred from running along with several other prominent Lukashenko critics.

She left Belarus under pressure from authorities and took shelter in EU member Lithuania.

On Friday, Tikhanovskaya addressed a meeting of the UN Security Council by video link, calling for sanctions against those responsible for the alleged electoral fraud and rights violations.

The Baltic nations of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia have blacklisted Lukashenko and 29 high-ranking officials in his administration but other members of the EU bloc appear reluctant to target the Belarus strongman personally.

Russia has said it will respond to any Western attempts to "sway the situation" and President Vladimir Putin has raised the possibility of sending military support.

Putin has been keen to unify Russia and Belarus, and Moscow has accompanied its recent offers of economic and military aid with calls for tighter integration.

Lukashenko has in the past ruled out outright unification and sought to play Moscow against the West but his options now are limited.

On Thursday, Lukashenko hosted Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and replaced the chief of the KGB security service in what some analysts said might have been done under pressure from Moscow.

The moustachioed leader said Russia and Belarus had agreed on issues they "could not agree earlier" and he planned to "dot all the i's" with Putin in Moscow in the next few weeks.

Lukashenko made headlines when he claimed during a meeting with Mishustin that his security forces had intercepted German calls showing that Putin foe Alexei Navalny's poisoning with a Soviet-era Novichok nerve agent had been faked.

Belarusian state television broadcast the "intercept" in which a Mike in Warsaw and Nick in Berlin discuss Navalny's materials and call Lukashenko a "tough nut to crack."

Social media in Russia went berserk in mocking the Belarus leader and even some staunchly pro-Kremlin propagandists expressed embarassment.

Lukashenko also raised eyebrows last month when he brandished an assault rifle and had his 15-year-old son Nikolai appear next to him in a bulletproof vest while also weilding a weapon.

Some observers say Lukashenko wanted to curry favour with Moscow but was becoming a liability.

"No one knows what intercept Alexander Grigoryevich (Lukashenko) will record and publish tomorrow and where he will run with an assault rifle," wrote Kirill Martynov, politics editor at independent newspaper Novaya Gazeta.

Belarusian protesters on Sunday prepared a new mass demonstration against strongman Alexander Lukashenko who has refused to quit after a disputed re-election and turned to Russia for help.

Belarusian protesters on Sunday prepared a new mass demonstration against strongman Alexander Lukashenko who has refused to quit after a disputed re-election and turned to Russia for help. Unprecedented protests broke out in the ex-Soviet country after Lukashenko, who has ruled the ex-Soviet state for 26 years, claimed re-election with 80 percent of the vote on August 9. Opposition rival Svetlana Tikhanovskaya says she has won the vote but Lukashenko's security forces have detained thousands of protesters, many of whom accused police of beatings and torture. Several people have died in the crackdown but Belarusians have been demonstrating across the country for nearly a month, with more than 100,000 people flooding the streets of the capital Minsk for three straight weekends. Dozens of people including student protesters and journalists covering rallies were detained this week. On Saturday, around 4,000 people took to the streets and more than 90 people were detained, the interior ministry said. - 'Strong when united' - Tikhanovskaya, a 37-year-old political novice, urged supporters to turn up for Sunday's "March of Unity" set to begin at 1100 GMT. "Remember we are strong as long as we are united," she said in a short video address. Tikhanovskaya contested the election after her blogger husband was jailed and barred from running along with several other prominent Lukashenko critics. She left Belarus under pressure from authorities and took shelter in EU member Lithuania. On Friday, Tikhanovskaya addressed a meeting of the UN Security Council by video link, calling for sanctions against those responsible for the alleged electoral fraud and rights violations. The Baltic nations of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia have blacklisted Lukashenko and 29 high-ranking officials in his administration but other members of the EU bloc appear reluctant to target the Belarus strongman personally. Russia has said it will respond to any Western attempts to "sway the situation" and President Vladimir Putin has raised the possibility of sending military support. Putin has been keen to unify Russia and Belarus, and Moscow has accompanied its recent offers of economic and military aid with calls for tighter integration. Lukashenko has in the past ruled out outright unification and sought to play Moscow against the West but his options now are limited. On Thursday, Lukashenko hosted Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and replaced the chief of the KGB security service in what some analysts said might have been done under pressure from Moscow. The moustachioed leader said Russia and Belarus had agreed on issues they "could not agree earlier" and he planned to "dot all the i's" with Putin in Moscow in the next few weeks. Lukashenko made headlines when he claimed during a meeting with Mishustin that his security forces had intercepted German calls showing that Putin foe Alexei Navalny's poisoning with a Soviet-era Novichok nerve agent had been faked. Belarusian state television broadcast the "intercept" in which a Mike in Warsaw and Nick in Berlin discuss Navalny's materials and call Lukashenko a "tough nut to crack." Social media in Russia went berserk in mocking the Belarus leader and even some staunchly pro-Kremlin propagandists expressed embarassment. Lukashenko also raised eyebrows last month when he brandished an assault rifle and had his 15-year-old son Nikolai appear next to him in a bulletproof vest while also weilding a weapon. Some observers say Lukashenko wanted to curry favour with Moscow but was becoming a liability. "No one knows what intercept Alexander Grigoryevich (Lukashenko) will record and publish tomorrow and where he will run with an assault rifle," wrote Kirill Martynov, politics editor at independent newspaper Novaya Gazeta.

Belarus protesters keep pressure on Lukashenko with new march

Masked security agents dragged students off the streets and bundled them into vans as new protests broke out against Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on Saturday on the fourth weekend since his disputed re-election.

Up to 30 people were detained for taking part in unsanctioned protests, Russian news agency TASS quoted the Minsk police as saying.

Draped in red-and-white opposition flags, students staged protests in several places in the capital, including outside the Minsk State Linguistic Institute where police had arrested five people on Friday, local media footage showed.

Elsewhere masked men dragged away students who had gathered at an eatery in Karl Marx Street in the centre of Minsk, while some of the protesters shouted "tribunal!", according to footage shown by news outlet TUT.BY.

Thousands of women later held a separate march through Minsk in the afternoon, shouting "hands off the children" as one of their slogans.

A former Soviet collective farm manager, Lukashenko has struggled to contain a wave of mass protests and strikes since he won a sixth term at an election last month that opponents say was rigged. He denies electoral fraud.

Lukashenko has previously dismissed the coronavirus pandemic as a "psychosis" that could be tackled by drinking vodka and taking saunas.

But on Saturday he appeared to chide the protesters for spreading the disease.

"We stagger through the streets, rubbing against each other," he said at a televised government meeting.

"Where`s the social distancing and so on in that? We`re doing everything we can to delay the moment when we say goodbye to this disease. That`s unacceptable."

Thousands took part in protests that coincided with the start of the school year on Tuesday. At the Minsk State Linguistic Institute, students sang "Do you hear the people sing", a protest anthem from the musical "Les Miserables".&nbsp;

Masked security agents dragged students off the streets and bundled them into vans as new protests broke out against Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on Saturday on the fourth weekend since his disputed re-election.

Masked security agents dragged students off the streets and bundled them into vans as new protests broke out against Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on Saturday on the fourth weekend since his disputed re-election. Up to 30 people were detained for taking part in unsanctioned protests, Russian news agency TASS quoted the Minsk police as saying. Draped in red-and-white opposition flags, students staged protests in several places in the capital, including outside the Minsk State Linguistic Institute where police had arrested five people on Friday, local media footage showed. Elsewhere masked men dragged away students who had gathered at an eatery in Karl Marx Street in the centre of Minsk, while some of the protesters shouted "tribunal!", according to footage shown by news outlet TUT.BY. Thousands of women later held a separate march through Minsk in the afternoon, shouting "hands off the children" as one of their slogans. A former Soviet collective farm manager, Lukashenko has struggled to contain a wave of mass protests and strikes since he won a sixth term at an election last month that opponents say was rigged. He denies electoral fraud. Lukashenko has previously dismissed the coronavirus pandemic as a "psychosis" that could be tackled by drinking vodka and taking saunas. But on Saturday he appeared to chide the protesters for spreading the disease. "We stagger through the streets, rubbing against each other," he said at a televised government meeting. "Where`s the social distancing and so on in that? We`re doing everything we can to delay the moment when we say goodbye to this disease. That`s unacceptable." Thousands took part in protests that coincided with the start of the school year on Tuesday. At the Minsk State Linguistic Institute, students sang "Do you hear the people sing", a protest anthem from the musical "Les Miserables".

Masked men drag protesting Belarusian students off the streets

The United States is considering imposing sanctions on seven Belarusians it believes were involved in falsifying the results of the Aug. 9 election and in violence against peaceful protesters, a senior State Department official said on Tuesday.

US considers imposing sanctions on seven Belarusian officials

Belarus strongman Alexander Lukashenko on Thursday replaced his security chiefs and said progress was being made on plans to bring Moscow and Minsk closer.

Lukashenko, who is under huge pressure from protesters to step down after last month's disputed election, replaced the heads of the KGB security service, the security council and the state control committee.

The reshuffle was announced during the visit of Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, who became the most senior Moscow official to make a public visit to Belarus since the political crisis broke out over disputed polls on August 9.

Tens of thousands have taken to the streets for weeks in unprecedented protests against Lukashenko's 26-year rule.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-considers-imposing-sanctions-on-seven-belarusian-officials-324869">Also watch|&nbsp;US considers imposing sanctions on seven Belarusian officials</a>

The moustachioed leader has refused to quit and has instead sought support from the Kremlin.

In recent years the Kremlin has pushed for closer economic and political integration between the two ex-Soviet countries but Lukashenko has so far resisted outright unification.&nbsp;

On Thursday, he indicated he might be open to bringing the nations closer.

"We agreed" on issues on which Russia and Belarus "could not agree earlier," Lukashenko told Mishustin, adding that opposition protests were a "lesson" for the two countries.

"This lesson prompted us to make relevant conclusions," he said.

Lukashenko added he planned to "dot all the i's on issues that are very sensitive and delicate for the two states" when he meets Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow in the next few weeks.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lukashenko-warns-of-bloodbath-in-belarus-if-opposition-assumes-power-324763">Also read|&nbsp;Lukashenko warns of bloodbath in Belarus if opposition assumes power</a>

Mishustin, who arrived with a large delegation in tow, hailed plans to tighten up ties.

"We see progress on many issues," he told Lukashenko, adding their future "union state" will help remove "unnecessary" trade barriers.

Belarus, an ex-Soviet state sandwiched between Russia and the European Union, has for years relied on Moscow for cheap oil and loans.&nbsp;

The two have formed a nominal "union" with close trade and military cooperation but the Kremlin has sought deeper integration.

London-based analyst Mark Galeotti suggested that the reshuffle indicated that the replacement of KGB chief Valery Vakulchik with Ivan Tertel, who until now headed the state control committee, had been done under pressure from Moscow.

"Ex-KGB chief Vakulchik had been a fierce guardian against Moscow penetration," he tweeted, adding Tertel had a better relationship with Russia's FSB security service.

Belarus strongman Alexander Lukashenko on Thursday replaced his security chiefs and said progress was being made on plans to bring Moscow and Minsk closer. Lukashenko, who is under huge pressure from protesters to step down after last month's disputed election, replaced the heads of the KGB security service, the security council and the state control committee.

Belarus strongman Alexander Lukashenko on Thursday replaced his security chiefs and said progress was being made on plans to bring Moscow and Minsk closer. Lukashenko, who is under huge pressure from protesters to step down after last month's disputed election, replaced the heads of the KGB security service, the security council and the state control committee. The reshuffle was announced during the visit of Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, who became the most senior Moscow official to make a public visit to Belarus since the political crisis broke out over disputed polls on August 9. Tens of thousands have taken to the streets for weeks in unprecedented protests against Lukashenko's 26-year rule. Also watch| US considers imposing sanctions on seven Belarusian officials The moustachioed leader has refused to quit and has instead sought support from the Kremlin. In recent years the Kremlin has pushed for closer economic and political integration between the two ex-Soviet countries but Lukashenko has so far resisted outright unification. On Thursday, he indicated he might be open to bringing the nations closer. "We agreed" on issues on which Russia and Belarus "could not agree earlier," Lukashenko told Mishustin, adding that opposition protests were a "lesson" for the two countries. "This lesson prompted us to make relevant conclusions," he said. Lukashenko added he planned to "dot all the i's on issues that are very sensitive and delicate for the two states" when he meets Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow in the next few weeks. Also read| Lukashenko warns of bloodbath in Belarus if opposition assumes power Mishustin, who arrived with a large delegation in tow, hailed plans to tighten up ties. "We see progress on many issues," he told Lukashenko, adding their future "union state" will help remove "unnecessary" trade barriers. Belarus, an ex-Soviet state sandwiched between Russia and the European Union, has for years relied on Moscow for cheap oil and loans. The two have formed a nominal "union" with close trade and military cooperation but the Kremlin has sought deeper integration. London-based analyst Mark Galeotti suggested that the reshuffle indicated that the replacement of KGB chief Valery Vakulchik with Ivan Tertel, who until now headed the state control committee, had been done under pressure from Moscow. "Ex-KGB chief Vakulchik had been a fierce guardian against Moscow penetration," he tweeted, adding Tertel had a better relationship with Russia's FSB security service.

Belarus leader replaces security chiefs as Russia PM visits

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