Belarus protests are the biggest that Europe has seen in years and it might get ugly.&nbsp;On Sunday, a massive crowd hit the streets demanding the exit dictator Lukashenko. Now, Russia may step in by sending its military to Europe.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belarus-lukashenko-gives-nod-to-fresh-elections-says-it-will-happen-after-adoption-of-new-constitution-321280" hreflang="en">Belarus: Lukashenko gives nod to fresh elections, says it will happen after adoption of new constitution</a> 
&nbsp; 
The independence square at the centre of the city was packed to the brim. Never before has Belarus seen such a massive campaign. It was a&nbsp;freedom march and a&nbsp;campaign to oust the president who has ruled over Belarus since&nbsp;independence.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-belarus-protest-europes-last-dictator-promises-a-referendum-321333/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The protesters were dressed in red and white -&nbsp;&nbsp;the colours of the Opposition. They were&nbsp;also waving the flag of the Opposition. According to a report,&nbsp;at least 200,000 people took to the streets.

A week back, Belarus had its presidential election. The results were announced and Alexander Lukashenko staked claim to a sixth term as the president of Belarus even as several people disputed the&nbsp;re-election which&nbsp;includes the Opposition in Belarus.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/find-out-how-the-political-crisis-in-belarus-could-unfold-321289" hreflang="en">Find out how the political crisis in Belarus could unfold</a>

Opposition candidate Sviatlana Tsikhanoskaya had to run for her life. She had taken over as a candidate from her imprisoned husband. After the result, she has been living in exile in Lithuania.&nbsp;As Belarus protested, she sent a&nbsp;message to the people asserting&nbsp;that she is ready to lead.

Europe at large is standing up for Belarusians and against Alexander Lukashenko.&nbsp;Over the weekend&nbsp;several prominent cities in Europe joined the freedom campaign from a distance. There were protests in five European cities, alongside Minsk.

With European leaders greenlighting major sanctions, the situation has been&nbsp;getting out of hand for Alexander Lukashenko who has ruled over Belarus for 26 years. But the man&nbsp;who is known as the last dictator of Europe is adamant.

His supporters held a counter-protest. It was overshadowed by the freedom march. Lukashenko made a speech&nbsp;rejecting the demand for a new election.

On Monday, he took a helicopter to a factory in Minsk where&nbsp;more than five thousand workers were marching in protest&nbsp;but Lukashenko remained defiant.

Lukashenko has turned to Russia for help. He reportedly over the weekend spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin twice. He is already blaming a foreign hand for the protests against him and Russia is happy to help Lukashenko keep power.

The Kremlin has said that it is ready to send military help for “comprehensive military assistance” which&nbsp;means deployment of Russian soldiers and military assets.&nbsp;

The Kremlin reportedly is not to keen on getting its skin in the game just yet. Moscow has adopted a “wait and watch attitude” for now.&nbsp;

Last month, 33 men were arrested in Belarus as&nbsp;Lukashenko alleged they were Russian mercenaries trying to stir up trouble ahead of the elections.

Belarus protests are the biggest that Europe has seen in years and it might get ugly. On Sunday, a massive crowd hit the streets demanding the exit dictator Lukashenko.

Belarus protests are the biggest that Europe has seen in years and it might get ugly. On Sunday, a massive crowd hit the streets demanding the exit dictator Lukashenko. Now, Russia may step in by sending its military to Europe. Also read: Belarus: Lukashenko gives nod to fresh elections, says it will happen after adoption of new constitution The independence square at the centre of the city was packed to the brim. Never before has Belarus seen such a massive campaign. It was a freedom march and a campaign to oust the president who has ruled over Belarus since independence. The protesters were dressed in red and white - the colours of the Opposition. They were also waving the flag of the Opposition. According to a report, at least 200,000 people took to the streets. A week back, Belarus had its presidential election. The results were announced and Alexander Lukashenko staked claim to a sixth term as the president of Belarus even as several people disputed the re-election which includes the Opposition in Belarus. Also read: Find out how the political crisis in Belarus could unfold Opposition candidate Sviatlana Tsikhanoskaya had to run for her life. She had taken over as a candidate from her imprisoned husband. After the result, she has been living in exile in Lithuania. As Belarus protested, she sent a message to the people asserting that she is ready to lead. Europe at large is standing up for Belarusians and against Alexander Lukashenko. Over the weekend several prominent cities in Europe joined the freedom campaign from a distance. There were protests in five European cities, alongside Minsk. With European leaders greenlighting major sanctions, the situation has been getting out of hand for Alexander Lukashenko who has ruled over Belarus for 26 years. But the man who is known as the last dictator of Europe is adamant. His supporters held a counter-protest. It was overshadowed by the freedom march. Lukashenko made a speech rejecting the demand for a new election. On Monday, he took a helicopter to a factory in Minsk where more than five thousand workers were marching in protest but Lukashenko remained defiant. Lukashenko has turned to Russia for help. He reportedly over the weekend spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin twice. He is already blaming a foreign hand for the protests against him and Russia is happy to help Lukashenko keep power. The Kremlin has said that it is ready to send military help for “comprehensive military assistance” which means deployment of Russian soldiers and military assets. The Kremlin reportedly is not to keen on getting its skin in the game just yet. Moscow has adopted a “wait and watch attitude” for now. Last month, 33 men were arrested in Belarus as Lukashenko alleged they were Russian mercenaries trying to stir up trouble ahead of the elections.

Now, Putin offers 'military assistance' to Lukashenko to handle protests

Belarusian opposition politician Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya said on Monday she was ready to lead Belarus and called for the creation of a legal mechanism to ensure that a new fair presidential election could be held.

Speaking in a video address from Lithuania, she also urged security and law enforcement officers to switch sides from President Alexander Lukashenko`s government, saying their past behaviour would be forgiven if they did so now.

Her video was released a day after Belarusians chanting "Step down!" filled the centre of the capital Minsk in the biggest protest so far against what they said was the fraudulent re-election a week ago of longtime president Lukashenko.

"I am ready to take responsibility and act as a national leader during this period," Tsikhanouskaya said, saying it was essential to make the most of the momentum generated by a week of protests.

The former English teacher has become one of the leading opposition figures against Lukashenko, who is struggling to contain a wave of mass protests and strikes that pose the biggest challenge to his 26-year rule of the country.

She fled abroad last week, saying she had done so for the safety of her children, but quickly began releasing new videos calling for anti-government protests to continue.

The unrest has spread to sections of society normally seen as loyal to the president, as workers from large state factories staged walkouts and some police, journalists from state media, and a sitting ambassador came out in support of the protesters.

Opponents of Lukashenko say he rigged the Aug. 9 presidential election to secure a sixth term in power. He denies losing, citing official results that gave him just over 80% of the vote.

The Kremlin said on Sunday that Russian President Vladimir Putin had told Lukashenko Moscow was ready to assist

Belarus in accordance with a collective military pact if necessary and that external pressure was being applied to the country.

It did not say where from.

Russia is watching closely as Belarus hosts pipelines that carry Russian energy exports to the West and is viewed by Moscow as a buffer zone against NATO.

Belarusian opposition politician Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya said on Monday she was ready to lead Belarus and called for the creation of a legal mechanism to ensure that a new fair presidential election could be held.

Belarusian opposition politician Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya said on Monday she was ready to lead Belarus and called for the creation of a legal mechanism to ensure that a new fair presidential election could be held. Speaking in a video address from Lithuania, she also urged security and law enforcement officers to switch sides from President Alexander Lukashenko`s government, saying their past behaviour would be forgiven if they did so now. Her video was released a day after Belarusians chanting "Step down!" filled the centre of the capital Minsk in the biggest protest so far against what they said was the fraudulent re-election a week ago of longtime president Lukashenko. "I am ready to take responsibility and act as a national leader during this period," Tsikhanouskaya said, saying it was essential to make the most of the momentum generated by a week of protests. The former English teacher has become one of the leading opposition figures against Lukashenko, who is struggling to contain a wave of mass protests and strikes that pose the biggest challenge to his 26-year rule of the country. She fled abroad last week, saying she had done so for the safety of her children, but quickly began releasing new videos calling for anti-government protests to continue. The unrest has spread to sections of society normally seen as loyal to the president, as workers from large state factories staged walkouts and some police, journalists from state media, and a sitting ambassador came out in support of the protesters. Opponents of Lukashenko say he rigged the Aug. 9 presidential election to secure a sixth term in power. He denies losing, citing official results that gave him just over 80% of the vote. The Kremlin said on Sunday that Russian President Vladimir Putin had told Lukashenko Moscow was ready to assist Belarus in accordance with a collective military pact if necessary and that external pressure was being applied to the country. It did not say where from. Russia is watching closely as Belarus hosts pipelines that carry Russian energy exports to the West and is viewed by Moscow as a buffer zone against NATO.

Belarusian opposition politician Tsikhanouskaya says she is ready to lead nation

Lukashenko: The powerless powerhouse?Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, dubbed as Europe’s last dictator has been in power for 26 years now.

He has also received support from Russia, but in the aftermath of the recent elections, protests broke out across the country asking for fresh elections and/or his resignation.

The first and only president of Belarus has stood as a roadblock in the political aspirations of Belarusians.

On Monday, August 17 he did agree to reelections after a constitutional referendum.

“Don’t panic”

Alexander Lukashenko is the only president that Belarus has known, and he has been in power for 26 years now.

Lukashenko gained the presidency when Belarus separated from the Soviet Union in 1994. Since then, he hasn’t left the president’s office.

In 2010, Lukashenko had crushed a protest in Minsk, while declaring that there won’t be a revolution in Belarus.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belarus-lukashenko-gives-nod-to-fresh-elections-says-it-will-happen-after-adoption-of-new-constitution-321280" hreflang="en">Belarus: Lukashenko gives nod to fresh elections, says it will happen after adoption of new constitution</a>

Ten years later, the ground reality is different. The man who rose to power for standing upto corruption is now being accused of corruption himself.

Protestors say he rigged the August 9 election to cling on to power.

When the rest of Europe was locking down due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Lukashenko suggested sauna and vodka to combat the virus.

“Don't panic, we just have to work especially now, in a village. It's nice watching television: people are working on tractors, no one is talking about the virus. There, the tractor will heal everyone. The fields heal everyone”, he had once said.

A remnant of USSR?

After Belarus left the Soviet Union, Lukashenko reshaped the old Soviet KGB security apparatus into a machinery against dissent. The parliament, judiciary, and the media bent to Lukashenko’s wishes.

The president of Belarus has been accused of at least four political murders, with dozens of political opponents imprisoned.

But Lukashenko insists that Belarus is not a dictatorship. Eight years ago the president had claimed that it’s better to be a dictator than gay.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/find-out-how-the-political-crisis-in-belarus-could-unfold-321289" hreflang="en">Find out how the political crisis in Belarus could unfold</a>

Lukashenko’s has received support from Russia in the form of cheap oil and gas supplies.

Additionally, Belarus has avoided opening up to privatisation, with key industries staying in the president's hands.

A decaying economy, growing protests, and a pandemic are now challenging Europe’s last dictator.

Lukashenko: The powerless powerhouse?Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, dubbed as Europe’s last dictator has been in power for 26 years now. He has also received support from Russia, but in the aftermath of the recent elections, protests broke out across the country asking for fresh elections and/or his resignation.

Lukashenko: The powerless powerhouse?Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, dubbed as Europe’s last dictator has been in power for 26 years now. He has also received support from Russia, but in the aftermath of the recent elections, protests broke out across the country asking for fresh elections and/or his resignation. The first and only president of Belarus has stood as a roadblock in the political aspirations of Belarusians. On Monday, August 17 he did agree to reelections after a constitutional referendum. “Don’t panic” Alexander Lukashenko is the only president that Belarus has known, and he has been in power for 26 years now. Lukashenko gained the presidency when Belarus separated from the Soviet Union in 1994. Since then, he hasn’t left the president’s office. In 2010, Lukashenko had crushed a protest in Minsk, while declaring that there won’t be a revolution in Belarus. Also read: Belarus: Lukashenko gives nod to fresh elections, says it will happen after adoption of new constitution Ten years later, the ground reality is different. The man who rose to power for standing upto corruption is now being accused of corruption himself. Protestors say he rigged the August 9 election to cling on to power. When the rest of Europe was locking down due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Lukashenko suggested sauna and vodka to combat the virus. “Don't panic, we just have to work especially now, in a village. It's nice watching television: people are working on tractors, no one is talking about the virus. There, the tractor will heal everyone. The fields heal everyone”, he had once said. A remnant of USSR? After Belarus left the Soviet Union, Lukashenko reshaped the old Soviet KGB security apparatus into a machinery against dissent. The parliament, judiciary, and the media bent to Lukashenko’s wishes. The president of Belarus has been accused of at least four political murders, with dozens of political opponents imprisoned. But Lukashenko insists that Belarus is not a dictatorship. Eight years ago the president had claimed that it’s better to be a dictator than gay. Also read: Find out how the political crisis in Belarus could unfold Lukashenko’s has received support from Russia in the form of cheap oil and gas supplies. Additionally, Belarus has avoided opening up to privatisation, with key industries staying in the president's hands. A decaying economy, growing protests, and a pandemic are now challenging Europe’s last dictator.

Lukashenko: The powerless powerhouse?

We come in peace: Belarusian women dressed in white protest against corrupt leadership

Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko on Monday said that a new presidential election would be held in the country after a new constitution is adopted.

Lukashenko is facing protests across the country after being in power for 26 years after a disputed election took place on August 9. Earlier on Monday, he had said that no new elections will happen.

"This is what will happen... We need to adopt a new constitution. That is what you wanted", he said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belarusian-opposition-politician-tsikhanouskaya-says-she-is-ready-to-lead-nation-321113" hreflang="en">Belarusian opposition politician Tsikhanouskaya says she is ready to lead nation</a>

"We need to adopt it via a referendum since this was how the previous constitution was approved. Under this new constitution, elections could be held - parliamentary, presidential, and local - if that is what you want", he said.

"We'll put the changes to a referendum, and I'll hand over my constitutional powers. But not under pressure or because of the street," Lukashenko said, in remarks quoted by the official Belta news agency.&nbsp;

Yes, I'm not a saint. You know my harsh side. I'm not eternal. But if you drag down the first president you'll drag down neighbouring countries and all the rest", he announced.

Ukraine recalls ambassador

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba on&nbsp;Monday said that he had recalled the ambassador to&nbsp;Belarus&nbsp;for consultations in a bid&nbsp;to assess the prospects of further bilateral relations between the two countries "in the new reality".

"The development of events in&nbsp;Belarus, whose society has expressed a vote of no confidence in the official results of the presidential elections in&nbsp;Belarus, is fundamentally changing the situation in&nbsp;Belarusian-Ukrainian relations," Kuleba said.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/belarus-wont-bring-reforms-under-pressure-from-protesters-says-lukashenko-321204/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

EU summit on Wednesday

Germany on Monday said that the country is ready to expand European Union sanctions against Belarus as a bloody crackdown continues in the country.&nbsp;

EU ministers had recently made a list of targets in Belarus to impose sanctions on them.&nbsp;Germany’s spokesperson Steffen Seibert said that even stronger measures are needed.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lukashenko-says-he-is-ready-to-share-power-in-belarus-as-protests-mount-321168" hreflang="en">Lukashenko says he is ready to share power in Belarus as protests mount</a>

"Of course we are looking at the option of expanding the sanctions to other leading figures,"&nbsp; Seibert said.

Leaders of the European Union will hold an emergency video summit on Wednesday to discuss the ongoing crisis in Belarus, where protests continue to intensify against the reelection of President Alexander Lukashenko.

"The people of Belarus have the right to decide on their future and freely elect their leader. Violence against protesters is unacceptable and cannot be allowed," EU Council President Charles Michel tweeted.

Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko on Monday said that a new presidential election would be held in the country after a new constitution is adopted. Lukashenko is facing protests across the country after being in power for 26 years after a disputed election took place on August 9.

Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko on Monday said that a new presidential election would be held in the country after a new constitution is adopted. Lukashenko is facing protests across the country after being in power for 26 years after a disputed election took place on August 9. Earlier on Monday, he had said that no new elections will happen. "This is what will happen... We need to adopt a new constitution. That is what you wanted", he said. Also read: Belarusian opposition politician Tsikhanouskaya says she is ready to lead nation "We need to adopt it via a referendum since this was how the previous constitution was approved. Under this new constitution, elections could be held - parliamentary, presidential, and local - if that is what you want", he said. "We'll put the changes to a referendum, and I'll hand over my constitutional powers. But not under pressure or because of the street," Lukashenko said, in remarks quoted by the official Belta news agency. Yes, I'm not a saint. You know my harsh side. I'm not eternal. But if you drag down the first president you'll drag down neighbouring countries and all the rest", he announced. Ukraine recalls ambassador Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba on Monday said that he had recalled the ambassador to Belarus for consultations in a bid to assess the prospects of further bilateral relations between the two countries "in the new reality". "The development of events in Belarus, whose society has expressed a vote of no confidence in the official results of the presidential elections in Belarus, is fundamentally changing the situation in Belarusian-Ukrainian relations," Kuleba said. EU summit on Wednesday Germany on Monday said that the country is ready to expand European Union sanctions against Belarus as a bloody crackdown continues in the country. EU ministers had recently made a list of targets in Belarus to impose sanctions on them. Germany’s spokesperson Steffen Seibert said that even stronger measures are needed. Also read: Lukashenko says he is ready to share power in Belarus as protests mount "Of course we are looking at the option of expanding the sanctions to other leading figures," Seibert said. Leaders of the European Union will hold an emergency video summit on Wednesday to discuss the ongoing crisis in Belarus, where protests continue to intensify against the reelection of President Alexander Lukashenko. "The people of Belarus have the right to decide on their future and freely elect their leader. Violence against protesters is unacceptable and cannot be allowed," EU Council President Charles Michel tweeted.

Belarus: Lukashenko gives nod to fresh elections, says it will happen after adoption of new constitution

Alexander Lukashenko, the leader of&nbsp;Belarus, said on Monday he would be willing to hand over power after a referendum, an apparent bid to pacify mass protests and strikes that pose the biggest challenge to his 26 years in office.

The situation in&nbsp;Belarus, a strategically important country that carries Russian energy exports to the West, is fluid after the biggest demonstration yet against his rule on Sunday.

The political crisis erupted after a presidential election on Aug. 9 which protesters say he massively rigged to ensure a phoney landslide win. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the opposition candidate was the real winner, they say.&nbsp;

Here are ways the situation could develop.

TOPPLED BY FORCE

Lukashenko continues to ignore protesters' demands to step down and hold a new presidential election.

Protests against him continue, swell, and important parts of the police and security state apparatus defect to the opposition.

Crowds storm key government buildings, forcing him from power. He is either put on trial or flees the country.&nbsp;

FRESH ELECTIONS

Lukashenko reluctantly caves into protesters' demands for a re-run of what they say was a rigged presidential election last Sunday.

Angered by alleged election cheating and police brutality towards post-election protesters, an opposition candidate wins that election and Lukashenko loses power.

REFERENDUM

Lukashenko has said he would be willing to hand over power after a referendum, in an apparent bid to pacify the protesters. But he insisted this would not happen while he was under pressure from the streets. Such a scenario would see him manage his transition from power over a longer period.&nbsp;

RUSSIA INTERVENES

President Vladimir Putin decides to restore order in a neighbouring country he regards as part of Moscow's orbit and a buffer zone against NATO.

Russia earlier told Lukashenko it was ready to assist&nbsp;Belarus&nbsp;in accordance with a military pact in the event of an external threat.

Intervention could range from anything from riot police reinforcement to special forces and the army.&nbsp;

Russian intervention would alienate a large part of the&nbsp;Belarusian population, but allow Lukashenko or a Moscow-friendly successor to rule a bit longer.&nbsp;

A WEAKENED LUKASHENKO CLINGS ON

Increasingly isolated and despised by his own people - at one point he said there would be no new presidential election until he was killed - Lukashenko relies on the army, the security service and the police to keep him in power after declaring martial law.&nbsp;

Alexander Lukashenko, the leader of Belarus, said on Monday he would be willing to hand over power after a referendum, an apparent bid to pacify mass protests and strikes that pose the biggest challenge to his 26 years in office.

Alexander Lukashenko, the leader of Belarus, said on Monday he would be willing to hand over power after a referendum, an apparent bid to pacify mass protests and strikes that pose the biggest challenge to his 26 years in office. The situation in Belarus, a strategically important country that carries Russian energy exports to the West, is fluid after the biggest demonstration yet against his rule on Sunday. The political crisis erupted after a presidential election on Aug. 9 which protesters say he massively rigged to ensure a phoney landslide win. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the opposition candidate was the real winner, they say. Here are ways the situation could develop. TOPPLED BY FORCE Lukashenko continues to ignore protesters' demands to step down and hold a new presidential election. Protests against him continue, swell, and important parts of the police and security state apparatus defect to the opposition. Crowds storm key government buildings, forcing him from power. He is either put on trial or flees the country. FRESH ELECTIONS Lukashenko reluctantly caves into protesters' demands for a re-run of what they say was a rigged presidential election last Sunday. Angered by alleged election cheating and police brutality towards post-election protesters, an opposition candidate wins that election and Lukashenko loses power. REFERENDUM Lukashenko has said he would be willing to hand over power after a referendum, in an apparent bid to pacify the protesters. But he insisted this would not happen while he was under pressure from the streets. Such a scenario would see him manage his transition from power over a longer period. RUSSIA INTERVENES President Vladimir Putin decides to restore order in a neighbouring country he regards as part of Moscow's orbit and a buffer zone against NATO. Russia earlier told Lukashenko it was ready to assist Belarus in accordance with a military pact in the event of an external threat. Intervention could range from anything from riot police reinforcement to special forces and the army. Russian intervention would alienate a large part of the Belarusian population, but allow Lukashenko or a Moscow-friendly successor to rule a bit longer. A WEAKENED LUKASHENKO CLINGS ON Increasingly isolated and despised by his own people - at one point he said there would be no new presidential election until he was killed - Lukashenko relies on the army, the security service and the police to keep him in power after declaring martial law.

Find out how the political crisis in Belarus could unfold

Germany on Monday said that the country is ready to expand European Union sanctions against Belarus as a bloody crackdown continues in the country.

Widespread protests continue in Minsk | EU to hold emergency summit over Belarus

Germany supports 'expanding' sanctions against Belarus ahead of EU summit

Protesters have been demanding that Lukashenko resign, saying the official results of the August 9 presidential election that gave him a sixth term in office are fraudulent.

Belarus: 'Won't bring reforms under pressure from protesters' says Lukashenko

Germany on Monday said that the country is ready to expand European Union sanctions against Belarus as a bloody crackdown continues in the country.&nbsp;

EU ministers had recently made a list of targets in Belarus to impose sanctions on them.&nbsp;Germany’s spokesperson Steffen Seibert said that even stronger measures are needed.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/lukashenko-says-he-is-ready-to-share-power-in-belarus-as-protests-mount-321168" hreflang="en">Lukashenko says he is ready to share power in Belarus as protests mount</a>

"Of course we are looking at the option of expanding the sanctions to other leading figures,"&nbsp; Seibert said.

Leaders of the European Union will hold an emergency video summit on Wednesday to discuss the ongoing crisis in Belarus, where protests continue to intensify against the reelection of President Alexander Lukashenko.

"The people of Belarus have the right to decide on their future and freely elect their leader. Violence against protesters is unacceptable and cannot be allowed," EU Council President Charles Michel tweeted.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/belarus-protests-eu-rejects-belarus-election-result-320750/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Russia offers support

Russian President Vladimir Putin told Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko in a phone call on Sunday that Moscow stood ready to provide help under a collective military pact if necessary, Reuters report said quoting the Kremlin statement.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/belarusian-opposition-politician-tsikhanouskaya-says-she-is-ready-to-lead-nation-321113" hreflang="en">Belarusian opposition politician Tsikhanouskaya says she is ready to lead nation</a>

The Kremlin said in the same statement that external pressure was being applied to Belarus.

Belarus has been rocked by a week of street protests after protesters accused Lukashenko of rigging a presidential election last Sunday.

Ties between the two traditional allies had been under strain in the run up to the election, as Russia scaled back the subsidies that propped up Lukashenko's government.&nbsp;

Russia sees Belarus as a strategic buffer against NATO and the European Union.

Accused of rigging last Sunday's election, Lukashenko had earlier appealed to Putin for help as he grapples with the biggest challenge to his 26-year rule and the threat of new Western sanctions.

Germany on Monday said that the country is ready to expand European Union sanctions against Belarus as a bloody crackdown continues in the country. EU ministers had recently made a list of targets in Belarus to impose sanctions on them.

Germany on Monday said that the country is ready to expand European Union sanctions against Belarus as a bloody crackdown continues in the country. EU ministers had recently made a list of targets in Belarus to impose sanctions on them. Germany’s spokesperson Steffen Seibert said that even stronger measures are needed. Also read: Lukashenko says he is ready to share power in Belarus as protests mount "Of course we are looking at the option of expanding the sanctions to other leading figures," Seibert said. Leaders of the European Union will hold an emergency video summit on Wednesday to discuss the ongoing crisis in Belarus, where protests continue to intensify against the reelection of President Alexander Lukashenko. "The people of Belarus have the right to decide on their future and freely elect their leader. Violence against protesters is unacceptable and cannot be allowed," EU Council President Charles Michel tweeted. Russia offers support Russian President Vladimir Putin told Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko in a phone call on Sunday that Moscow stood ready to provide help under a collective military pact if necessary, Reuters report said quoting the Kremlin statement. Also read: Belarusian opposition politician Tsikhanouskaya says she is ready to lead nation The Kremlin said in the same statement that external pressure was being applied to Belarus. Belarus has been rocked by a week of street protests after protesters accused Lukashenko of rigging a presidential election last Sunday. Ties between the two traditional allies had been under strain in the run up to the election, as Russia scaled back the subsidies that propped up Lukashenko's government. Russia sees Belarus as a strategic buffer against NATO and the European Union. Accused of rigging last Sunday's election, Lukashenko had earlier appealed to Putin for help as he grapples with the biggest challenge to his 26-year rule and the threat of new Western sanctions.

Facing growing protests that have posed the biggest challenge to his 26 years in power, President Alexander Lukashenko said on Monday he was ready to share power in Belarus, although not under pressure from the streets.&nbsp;

His apparent concession came after exiled opposition politician Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya said she was willing to lead the country.

Amid increasing demands to quit after the biggest protest against him yet, Lukashenko faced heckling from workers at a factory he visited in Minsk on Monday morning with people chanting "Step Down" as he tried to answer their questions.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/belarusian-opposition-politician-tsikhanouskaya-says-she-is-ready-to-lead-nation-321113" hreflang="en">Belarusian opposition politician Tsikhanouskaya says she is ready to lead nation</a>

Opponents of Lukashenko say he rigged a presidential election on Aug. 9 to secure a sixth term in power. He denies losing, citing official results that gave him just over 80% of the vote.

He told workers on Monday there would be no new presidential election, something the opposition wants, until he was killed.

The official Belta news agency quoted him as saying he would be willing to share power however, and to change the constitution, but that he was not prepared to do so under pressure from protesters.&nbsp;

Work was already underway on possible changes to the constitution that could redistribute power, Belta reported him as saying.&nbsp;

Speaking in a video address from Lithuania, opposition politician Tsikhanouskaya urged security and law enforcement officers to switch sides from Lukashenko's government, saying their past behaviour would be forgiven if they did so now.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/pope-francis-appeals-for-justice-to-be-respected-in-belarus-320981" hreflang="en">Pope Francis appeals for justice to be respected in Belarus</a>

"I am ready to take responsibility and act as a national leader during this period," Tsikhanouskaya said, saying it was essential to make the most of the momentum generated by a week of protests.&nbsp;

She called for the creation of a legal mechanism to ensure that a new fair presidential election could be held.&nbsp;

Her video was released as Interfax reported that employees from the state broadcaster BT has gone on strike, after several of their presenters and staff publicly resigned last week in solidarity with the protesters.

The broadcaster was showing re-runs of old programmes on Monday morning before issuing a fresh news bulletin. Videos circulating on social media suggested BT had at one point aired footage of an empty studio with white sofas, and music playing.&nbsp;

Reuters could not independently confirm that and the broadcaster could not immediately be reached for comment.&nbsp;

Thousands of protesters marched in Minsk on Monday morning to the state-run Minsk Automobile Plant (MAZ) to where Lukashenko flew by helicopter to speak to striking workers.&nbsp;

Lukashenko played down the impact of the strikes, saying "those who want to work, let them work. They do not want to work, well, we will not force them," according to comments released by Belta.&nbsp;

The media outlet Tut.By reported that workers at Belaruskali, one of the world's largest potash producers, had also threatened to stop production. The state-owned firm, which is a key source of dollar revenue for Belarus, told Reuters on Monday its plant was still working.

Facing growing protests that have posed the biggest challenge to his 26 years in power, President Alexander Lukashenko said on Monday he was ready to share power in Belarus, although not under pressure from the streets.

Facing growing protests that have posed the biggest challenge to his 26 years in power, President Alexander Lukashenko said on Monday he was ready to share power in Belarus, although not under pressure from the streets. His apparent concession came after exiled opposition politician Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya said she was willing to lead the country. Amid increasing demands to quit after the biggest protest against him yet, Lukashenko faced heckling from workers at a factory he visited in Minsk on Monday morning with people chanting "Step Down" as he tried to answer their questions. Also read: Belarusian opposition politician Tsikhanouskaya says she is ready to lead nation Opponents of Lukashenko say he rigged a presidential election on Aug. 9 to secure a sixth term in power. He denies losing, citing official results that gave him just over 80% of the vote. He told workers on Monday there would be no new presidential election, something the opposition wants, until he was killed. The official Belta news agency quoted him as saying he would be willing to share power however, and to change the constitution, but that he was not prepared to do so under pressure from protesters. Work was already underway on possible changes to the constitution that could redistribute power, Belta reported him as saying. Speaking in a video address from Lithuania, opposition politician Tsikhanouskaya urged security and law enforcement officers to switch sides from Lukashenko's government, saying their past behaviour would be forgiven if they did so now. Also read: Pope Francis appeals for justice to be respected in Belarus "I am ready to take responsibility and act as a national leader during this period," Tsikhanouskaya said, saying it was essential to make the most of the momentum generated by a week of protests. She called for the creation of a legal mechanism to ensure that a new fair presidential election could be held. Her video was released as Interfax reported that employees from the state broadcaster BT has gone on strike, after several of their presenters and staff publicly resigned last week in solidarity with the protesters. The broadcaster was showing re-runs of old programmes on Monday morning before issuing a fresh news bulletin. Videos circulating on social media suggested BT had at one point aired footage of an empty studio with white sofas, and music playing. Reuters could not independently confirm that and the broadcaster could not immediately be reached for comment. Thousands of protesters marched in Minsk on Monday morning to the state-run Minsk Automobile Plant (MAZ) to where Lukashenko flew by helicopter to speak to striking workers. Lukashenko played down the impact of the strikes, saying "those who want to work, let them work. They do not want to work, well, we will not force them," according to comments released by Belta. The media outlet Tut.By reported that workers at Belaruskali, one of the world's largest potash producers, had also threatened to stop production. The state-owned firm, which is a key source of dollar revenue for Belarus, told Reuters on Monday its plant was still working.

President Lukashenko says he is ready to share power in Belarus as protests mount

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said he had secured a pledge from Russia to provide comprehensive assistance if needed to ensure the security of his country in a phone call with President Vladimir Putin on Saturday.

Ties between the two traditional allies had been under strain before the election, as Russia scaled back the subsidies that propped up Lukashenko's government. Russia sees Belarus as a strategic buffer against NATO and the EU.

The two presidents spoke as tens of thousands of people took to the streets of Minsk once again urging Lukashenko to quit and staff at the Belarusian state broadcaster BT considered joining a wave of strikes and mass protests.

Accused of rigging last Sunday's election, Lukashenko had earlier appealed to Putin for help as he grapples with the biggest challenge to his 26-year rule and the threat of new Western sanctions.

The state news agency Belta cited remarks by Lukashenko that "at the first request, Russia will provide comprehensive assistance to ensure the security of Belarus in the event of external military threats".

A Kremlin statement made no mention of such assistance but said both sides expressed confidence that all problems in Belarus would be resolved soon.

Statements by both sides contained a pointed reference to a "union state" between the two countries.

The neighbours had signed an agreement in 1999 which was supposed to create a unified state. The unification project was never properly implemented and more recently Lukashenko had rejected calls by Moscow for closer economic and political ties as an assault on his country's sovereignty.

Russia has been wary of unrest on its borders since Georgia's 2003 Rose Revolution, Ukraine's 2003-04 Orange Revolution and 2014 Maidan protests -- events in which it says the West backed the protesters.

The European Union is gearing up to impose new sanctions on Belarus in response to a violent crackdown in which at least two protesters have been killed and thousands detained.

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said Washington was discussing the situation with the EU.

The leaders of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania called on Belarus to conduct new "free and fair" elections. Lukashenko said he did not need foreign governments or mediators.

Ramping up the rhetoric, Lukashenko said an air assault brigade would move to the border with Poland, after expressing concerned over the NATO military exercises being conducted in Poland and Lithuania, which he sees as an arms build-up.

Some of the country's biggest state-run industrial plants, the backbone of Lukashenko's Soviet-style economic model, were hit by protests and walkouts this week.

In Minsk, people gathered to lay flowers where one of the protesters was killed this week, waving flags and chanting "go away" and "Lukashenko is a murderer".

The crowd also converged outside the state broadcaster BT. Several staff, including presenters, walked out of the building, saying they had resigned, while a red-and-white opposition flag was mounted outside. Later riot police were seen going inside.

Lukashenko has accused the protesters of being criminals and in cahoots with foreign backers. Moscow this week also accused unnamed countries of "outside meddling" in Belarus.

In a further sign of wanting to mend fences with Moscow, Lukashenko handed back 32 Russian members of a private security firm who were detained before the election on suspicion of plotting to destabilise Belarus.

The decision angered Ukraine, as Kyiv had asked Minsk for the extradition of 28 of them on suspicion of fighting alongside Russian-backed separatists in its eastern Donbass region. 
&nbsp;

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said he had secured a pledge from Russia to provide comprehensive assistance if needed to ensure the security of his country in a phone call with President Vladimir Putin on Saturday.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said he had secured a pledge from Russia to provide comprehensive assistance if needed to ensure the security of his country in a phone call with President Vladimir Putin on Saturday. Ties between the two traditional allies had been under strain before the election, as Russia scaled back the subsidies that propped up Lukashenko's government. Russia sees Belarus as a strategic buffer against NATO and the EU. The two presidents spoke as tens of thousands of people took to the streets of Minsk once again urging Lukashenko to quit and staff at the Belarusian state broadcaster BT considered joining a wave of strikes and mass protests. Accused of rigging last Sunday's election, Lukashenko had earlier appealed to Putin for help as he grapples with the biggest challenge to his 26-year rule and the threat of new Western sanctions. The state news agency Belta cited remarks by Lukashenko that "at the first request, Russia will provide comprehensive assistance to ensure the security of Belarus in the event of external military threats". A Kremlin statement made no mention of such assistance but said both sides expressed confidence that all problems in Belarus would be resolved soon. Statements by both sides contained a pointed reference to a "union state" between the two countries. The neighbours had signed an agreement in 1999 which was supposed to create a unified state. The unification project was never properly implemented and more recently Lukashenko had rejected calls by Moscow for closer economic and political ties as an assault on his country's sovereignty. Russia has been wary of unrest on its borders since Georgia's 2003 Rose Revolution, Ukraine's 2003-04 Orange Revolution and 2014 Maidan protests -- events in which it says the West backed the protesters. The European Union is gearing up to impose new sanctions on Belarus in response to a violent crackdown in which at least two protesters have been killed and thousands detained. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said Washington was discussing the situation with the EU. The leaders of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania called on Belarus to conduct new "free and fair" elections. Lukashenko said he did not need foreign governments or mediators. Ramping up the rhetoric, Lukashenko said an air assault brigade would move to the border with Poland, after expressing concerned over the NATO military exercises being conducted in Poland and Lithuania, which he sees as an arms build-up. Some of the country's biggest state-run industrial plants, the backbone of Lukashenko's Soviet-style economic model, were hit by protests and walkouts this week. In Minsk, people gathered to lay flowers where one of the protesters was killed this week, waving flags and chanting "go away" and "Lukashenko is a murderer". The crowd also converged outside the state broadcaster BT. Several staff, including presenters, walked out of the building, saying they had resigned, while a red-and-white opposition flag was mounted outside. Later riot police were seen going inside. Lukashenko has accused the protesters of being criminals and in cahoots with foreign backers. Moscow this week also accused unnamed countries of "outside meddling" in Belarus. In a further sign of wanting to mend fences with Moscow, Lukashenko handed back 32 Russian members of a private security firm who were detained before the election on suspicion of plotting to destabilise Belarus. The decision angered Ukraine, as Kyiv had asked Minsk for the extradition of 28 of them on suspicion of fighting alongside Russian-backed separatists in its eastern Donbass region.

Putin has agreed to help security of Belarus, says Lukashenko

Opponents of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko are set to gather for another day of protest in Minsk over disputed elections last weekend.

Vladimir Putin pledges support for President Lukashenko

The opposition in Belarus hopes to bring thousands to the streets of the capital for a "March for Freedom" on Sunday, a week after the disputed election that triggered unprecedented protests against President Alexander Lukashenko.

Facing the biggest challenge of his 26 years in power, Lukashenko said on Saturday he had won support from Russian President Vladimir Putin who promised help to "ensure the security of Belarus".

The Kremlin said only that the leaders had agreed in a phone call that the "problems" in Belarus would be "resolved soon", with no mention of specific support for Lukashenko.

The Belarusian strongman, who has ruled his ex-Soviet country with an iron grip since 1994, is under increasing pressure from the streets and abroad over his claim to have won re-election last Sunday with 80 percent of the vote.

Tens of thousands have taken to the streets to denounce the result and support the main opposition challenger Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, a 37-year-old political novice who ran after other potential candidates including her husband were jailed.

A violent police crackdown on protesters has seen more 6,700 people arrested, hundreds wounded and two people dead.

From exile in Lithuania, where she fled on Tuesday, Tikhanovskaya called for a weekend of peaceful rallies including Sunday's march in Minsk on the one-week anniversary of the vote.

The opposition has called for one of the biggest rallies yet in defiance of Lukashenko, who has dismissed protesters as foreign-controlled "sheep" and criminals.

A pro-government demonstration has also been called from midday, a few hours before the opposition march is set to begin. There were reports of workers being required to attend the demonstration or risk losing their jobs.

On Friday hundreds of workers at state-run factories walked off the job in protest at the election, in a first sign that Lukashenko's traditional support base was turning against him.

Thousands of opposition supporters demonstrated in Minsk on Saturday, with many gathering at the spot where a 34-year-old protester died during unrest on Monday.

- Fears of Russia intervention -

Demonstrators heaped flowers at the spot and the crowd chanted "Thank you!" and raised victory signs.

Many held up photographs of protesters beaten during the crackdown, while one man stood in his underwear revealing the purple bruises on his thighs, buttocks and back.

Amnesty International has accused authorities of carrying out "a campaign of widespread torture" to crush the opposition.

Some protesters said they feared a Russian intervention on Lukashenko's behalf.

"It's obvious that our president can't deal with his own people any more, he's seeking help in the east," said Alexei Linich, a 27-year-old programmer.

"If Russia intervenes, that would be the worst. I'm really afraid of this," said Olga Nesteruk, a landscape designer.

Thousands also protested on Saturday evening outside the Belarusian state television centre, complaining that their broadcasts backed Lukashenko and gave a skewed picture of the protests. Around 100 staff came out of the building to join the crowd, and said they planned a strike on Monday.

European governments have condemned the election and police crackdown, and EU ministers on Friday agreed to draw up a list of targets in Belarus for a new round of sanctions.

The leaders of the three ex-Soviet Baltic states -- Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia -- on Saturday called for a new vote.

Tikhanovskaya has announced the creation of a Coordination Council to ensure a transfer of power, asking foreign governments to "help us in organising a dialogue with Belarusian authorities".

She demanded the authorities release all detainees, remove security forces from the streets and open criminal cases against those who ordered the crackdown.

Lukashenko on Saturday rejected any foreign mediation in the crisis and told defence chiefs he would not hand over power.

"We will not give up the country to anyone," he said. "We don't need any foreign governments, any intermediaries."

The opposition in Belarus hopes to bring thousands to the streets of the capital for a "March for Freedom" on Sunday, a week after the disputed election that triggered unprecedented protests against President Alexander Lukashenko.

The opposition in Belarus hopes to bring thousands to the streets of the capital for a "March for Freedom" on Sunday, a week after the disputed election that triggered unprecedented protests against President Alexander Lukashenko. Facing the biggest challenge of his 26 years in power, Lukashenko said on Saturday he had won support from Russian President Vladimir Putin who promised help to "ensure the security of Belarus". The Kremlin said only that the leaders had agreed in a phone call that the "problems" in Belarus would be "resolved soon", with no mention of specific support for Lukashenko. The Belarusian strongman, who has ruled his ex-Soviet country with an iron grip since 1994, is under increasing pressure from the streets and abroad over his claim to have won re-election last Sunday with 80 percent of the vote. Tens of thousands have taken to the streets to denounce the result and support the main opposition challenger Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, a 37-year-old political novice who ran after other potential candidates including her husband were jailed. A violent police crackdown on protesters has seen more 6,700 people arrested, hundreds wounded and two people dead. From exile in Lithuania, where she fled on Tuesday, Tikhanovskaya called for a weekend of peaceful rallies including Sunday's march in Minsk on the one-week anniversary of the vote. The opposition has called for one of the biggest rallies yet in defiance of Lukashenko, who has dismissed protesters as foreign-controlled "sheep" and criminals. A pro-government demonstration has also been called from midday, a few hours before the opposition march is set to begin. There were reports of workers being required to attend the demonstration or risk losing their jobs. On Friday hundreds of workers at state-run factories walked off the job in protest at the election, in a first sign that Lukashenko's traditional support base was turning against him. Thousands of opposition supporters demonstrated in Minsk on Saturday, with many gathering at the spot where a 34-year-old protester died during unrest on Monday. - Fears of Russia intervention - Demonstrators heaped flowers at the spot and the crowd chanted "Thank you!" and raised victory signs. Many held up photographs of protesters beaten during the crackdown, while one man stood in his underwear revealing the purple bruises on his thighs, buttocks and back. Amnesty International has accused authorities of carrying out "a campaign of widespread torture" to crush the opposition. Some protesters said they feared a Russian intervention on Lukashenko's behalf. "It's obvious that our president can't deal with his own people any more, he's seeking help in the east," said Alexei Linich, a 27-year-old programmer. "If Russia intervenes, that would be the worst. I'm really afraid of this," said Olga Nesteruk, a landscape designer. Thousands also protested on Saturday evening outside the Belarusian state television centre, complaining that their broadcasts backed Lukashenko and gave a skewed picture of the protests. Around 100 staff came out of the building to join the crowd, and said they planned a strike on Monday. European governments have condemned the election and police crackdown, and EU ministers on Friday agreed to draw up a list of targets in Belarus for a new round of sanctions. The leaders of the three ex-Soviet Baltic states -- Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia -- on Saturday called for a new vote. Tikhanovskaya has announced the creation of a Coordination Council to ensure a transfer of power, asking foreign governments to "help us in organising a dialogue with Belarusian authorities". She demanded the authorities release all detainees, remove security forces from the streets and open criminal cases against those who ordered the crackdown. Lukashenko on Saturday rejected any foreign mediation in the crisis and told defence chiefs he would not hand over power. "We will not give up the country to anyone," he said. "We don't need any foreign governments, any intermediaries."

Belarus opposition to 'March for Freedom' a week after disputed vote

The United States is discussing the situation in Belarus with the European Union after last weekend's disputed election and subsequent crackdown on protesters, US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Saturday.

Speaking in Warsaw, his last stop on a tour of central Europe, Pompeo said Washington was tracking the situation in Belarus and the aim of the contacts with the EU was to "to support the Belarusian people to achieve their own sovereignty, their own freedom".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belarus-leader-lukashenko-talks-to-russian-president-putin-discusses-protests-320797" hreflang="en">Belarus leader Lukashenko talks to Russian President Putin, discusses protests</a>

The US&nbsp;and Poland appealed for Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko to engage with civil society, as the strongman leader faces the biggest challenge to his rule since taking power in 1994.

Security forces have clashed with protesters in Minsk and other cities in recent days after President Alexander Lukashenko claimed a landslide re-election victory in a vote on Sunday that his opponents say was rigged.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pompeo-signs-deal-for-us-troops-move-from-germany-to-poland-320795" hreflang="en">Pompeo signs deal for US troops move from Germany to Poland</a>

The EU on Friday took the first step towards imposing new sanctions on Belarus, instructing its foreign policy arm to prepare a blacklist of responsible individuals.

Pompeo also commented on the failure to extend a U.N. arms embargo on Iran, calling it&nbsp;a ''serious mistake''.

The United States failed on Friday in its bid to extend a U.N. arms embargo on Iran after the move was opposed by Russia and China, while France, Britain, Germany and eight other members abstained.

The U.N. arms embargo on Iran is due to expire under a 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers, which provided for many international sanctions against Iran being lifted in exchange for curbs on Iran's nuclear programme. Washington withdrew from the deal in 2018.

The United States could now follow through on a threat to trigger a return of all U.N. sanctions on Iran using a provision in the nuclear deal, known as snapback. Diplomats have said the United States could do this as early as next week, but that it would face a tough, messy battle.

&nbsp;

The United States is discussing the situation in Belarus with the European Union after last weekend's disputed election and subsequent crackdown on protesters, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Saturday.

The United States is discussing the situation in Belarus with the European Union after last weekend's disputed election and subsequent crackdown on protesters, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Saturday. Speaking in Warsaw, his last stop on a tour of central Europe, Pompeo said Washington was tracking the situation in Belarus and the aim of the contacts with the EU was to "to support the Belarusian people to achieve their own sovereignty, their own freedom". Also read: Belarus leader Lukashenko talks to Russian President Putin, discusses protests The US and Poland appealed for Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko to engage with civil society, as the strongman leader faces the biggest challenge to his rule since taking power in 1994. Security forces have clashed with protesters in Minsk and other cities in recent days after President Alexander Lukashenko claimed a landslide re-election victory in a vote on Sunday that his opponents say was rigged. Also read: Pompeo signs deal for US troops move from Germany to Poland The EU on Friday took the first step towards imposing new sanctions on Belarus, instructing its foreign policy arm to prepare a blacklist of responsible individuals. Pompeo also commented on the failure to extend a U.N. arms embargo on Iran, calling it a ''serious mistake''. The United States failed on Friday in its bid to extend a U.N. arms embargo on Iran after the move was opposed by Russia and China, while France, Britain, Germany and eight other members abstained. The U.N. arms embargo on Iran is due to expire under a 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers, which provided for many international sanctions against Iran being lifted in exchange for curbs on Iran's nuclear programme. Washington withdrew from the deal in 2018. The United States could now follow through on a threat to trigger a return of all U.N. sanctions on Iran using a provision in the nuclear deal, known as snapback. Diplomats have said the United States could do this as early as next week, but that it would face a tough, messy battle.

Pompeo says US monitoring Belarus closely, urges Lukashenko to engage civil society

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko discussed the protests shaking his country with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Saturday.

"The presidents discussed the situation that is unfolding inside and around Belarus," a&nbsp;Belarusian state news agency Belta reported.

The Kremlin said that Putin and&nbsp;Lukashenko agreed in a phone call that the "problems" in Belarus would be swiftly resolved.

The phone call came after Belarus leader who claims to have won a disputed presidential election on Sunday said he needed to contact Moscow over growing protests against his rule.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belarus-braces-for-weekend-protests-as-pressure-grows-on-lukashenko-320793" hreflang="en">Belarus braces for weekend protests as pressure grows on Lukashenko</a>

Russia has been the only neighbour of Belarus to back Lukashenko during the mass protests that have gained growing support from Belarusians and drawn international condemnation of police violence and vote-rigging.

The Kremlin in its account of the exchange between Putin and Lukashenko said that "the most important thing is to prevent destructive forces from taking advantage of these problems."

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/thousands-stage-flower-protest-in-belarus-as-eu-weighs-sanctions-320218">Thousands stage flower protest in Belarus as EU weighs sanctions</a>

It said these forces "are striving to harm the mutually beneficial cooperation of the two countries in the union state."

It said the two sides agreed to continue regular contacts and their "intention to strengthen their relations as a union."

Belarusian riot police have used extreme violence and detainees have reported beatings and torture in prison. &nbsp;

Lukashenko, in charge of Belarus for the past 26 years, has a history of playing Russia off against the neighbouring European Union when it suits him but Belarus is highly economically dependent on Russia.&nbsp;

Lukashenko issued criticisms&nbsp;of Russia during his election campaign and Belarus detained 33 Russians on suspicion of planning riots ahead of polls.&nbsp;

However he has since changed his rhetoric to blame protests on provocateurs coming from countries including Poland and the Netherlands.

Russia in statements supportive of Lukashenko's election victory has stressed the importance of strengthening the alliance between the two countries, which are formally a union state and until the coronavirus pandemic had no border restrictions.

Lukashenko has said that he opposes full unification with Russia.

In a gesture towards Russia, Belarus on Friday handed back all but one of the 33 detained Russians without charging them.

It earlier issued an embarrassing claim for Russia that they were mercenaries in Wagner, a shadowy private army reportedly funded by a close ally of Putin.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko discussed the protests shaking his country with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Saturday. "The presidents discussed the situation that is unfolding inside and around Belarus," a Belarusian state news agency Belta reported.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko discussed the protests shaking his country with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Saturday. "The presidents discussed the situation that is unfolding inside and around Belarus," a Belarusian state news agency Belta reported. The Kremlin said that Putin and Lukashenko agreed in a phone call that the "problems" in Belarus would be swiftly resolved. The phone call came after Belarus leader who claims to have won a disputed presidential election on Sunday said he needed to contact Moscow over growing protests against his rule. Also read: Belarus braces for weekend protests as pressure grows on Lukashenko Russia has been the only neighbour of Belarus to back Lukashenko during the mass protests that have gained growing support from Belarusians and drawn international condemnation of police violence and vote-rigging. The Kremlin in its account of the exchange between Putin and Lukashenko said that "the most important thing is to prevent destructive forces from taking advantage of these problems." Also see: Thousands stage flower protest in Belarus as EU weighs sanctions It said these forces "are striving to harm the mutually beneficial cooperation of the two countries in the union state." It said the two sides agreed to continue regular contacts and their "intention to strengthen their relations as a union." Belarusian riot police have used extreme violence and detainees have reported beatings and torture in prison. Lukashenko, in charge of Belarus for the past 26 years, has a history of playing Russia off against the neighbouring European Union when it suits him but Belarus is highly economically dependent on Russia. Lukashenko issued criticisms of Russia during his election campaign and Belarus detained 33 Russians on suspicion of planning riots ahead of polls. However he has since changed his rhetoric to blame protests on provocateurs coming from countries including Poland and the Netherlands. Russia in statements supportive of Lukashenko's election victory has stressed the importance of strengthening the alliance between the two countries, which are formally a union state and until the coronavirus pandemic had no border restrictions. Lukashenko has said that he opposes full unification with Russia. In a gesture towards Russia, Belarus on Friday handed back all but one of the 33 detained Russians without charging them. It earlier issued an embarrassing claim for Russia that they were mercenaries in Wagner, a shadowy private army reportedly funded by a close ally of Putin.

Belarus leader Lukashenko talks to Russian President Putin, discusses protests

The protests in Belarus have entered their sixth day. For the first time in the last 5 days, the protests were majorly peaceful. Watch report.

Belarus protests: EU rejects Belarus election result

The opposition in Belarus was gearing up for a weekend of new demonstrations on Saturday with pressure growing on strongman leader Alexander Lukashenko from the streets and European leaders.

With the opposition gaining momentum after days of protests over last Sunday's disputed presidential vote, Lukashenko's main election challenger Svetlana Tikhanovskaya has called on supporters to rally again this weekend.

They were to gather at midday on Saturday near the Pushkinskaya metro station in the capital Minsk in a honour of Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester who died there on Monday and whose funeral was being held.

A "March for Freedom" is planned in central Minsk on Sunday, a week after the contested election that 65-year-old Lukashenko claims to have won with 80 percent of the vote.

Tikhanovskaya, a 37-year-old political novice who ran after other opposition candidates including her husband were jailed, accuses Lukashenko of rigging the vote and has demanded he step down so new elections can be held.

She left the country on Tuesday for neighbouring Lithuania, with her allies saying she came under official pressure, but on Friday re-emerged with the call for a weekend of "peaceful mass gatherings" in cities across the country.

She is also demanding authorities be held to account for a police crackdown on post-election protests that saw more than 6,700 people arrested.

Police have used rubber bullets, stun grenades and, in at least one case, live rounds to disperse the crowds, with hundreds injured.

Officials have confirmed two deaths in the unrest, including Taraikovsky who they say died when an explosive device went off in his hand during a protest, and another man who died in custody after being arrested in the southeastern city of Gomel.

On Friday authorities began releasing hundreds of those arrested and many emerged from detention with horrific accounts of beatings and torture.

- Factory workers join protests -

Amnesty International condemned "a campaign of widespread torture and other ill-treatment by the Belarusian authorities who are intent on crushing peaceful protests by any means."

In some of the biggest demonstrations yet, thousands marched in Minsk on Friday to denounce the police violence and demand Lukashenko step down.

In euphoric scenes on Independence Square in Minsk, protesters hugged and kissed young interior ministry troops guarding a government building and put flowers in their anti-riot shields.

Unlike the scenes of violent detentions days earlier, police stood by quietly.

Large groups of workers from huge tractor and automobile factories downed tools for the first time and marched to the central square, chanting for Lukashenko to "Leave!" and "Long live Belarus!"

Protesters danced and sang and waved lit-up mobile phones before gradually dispersing over the evening without police making arrests.

European Union ministers agreed Friday to draw up a list of targets in Belarus for a new round of sanctions in response to the post-election crackdown.

Sweden's Foreign Minister Ann Linde said in a tweet that the "EU will now initiate a process of sanctions against those responsible for the violence, arrests and fraud in connection with the election."

Lukashenko, who has ruled Belarus with an iron grip since 1994, has dismissed the demonstrators as foreign-controlled "sheep" and "people with a criminal past who are now unemployed".

In a televised meeting on Friday he claimed people had arrived from Poland, Ukraine and the Netherlands as well as from Russian opposition groups and were using protesters as "cannon fodder".

Tikhanovskaya on Friday announced the creation of a Coordination Council to ensure a transfer of power, asking foreign governments to "help us in organising a dialogue with Belarusian authorities".

She demanded the authorities release all detainees, remove security forces from the streets and open criminal cases against those who ordered the crackdown.

The opposition in Belarus was gearing up for a weekend of new demonstrations on Saturday with pressure growing on strongman leader Alexander Lukashenko from the streets and European leaders.

The opposition in Belarus was gearing up for a weekend of new demonstrations on Saturday with pressure growing on strongman leader Alexander Lukashenko from the streets and European leaders. With the opposition gaining momentum after days of protests over last Sunday's disputed presidential vote, Lukashenko's main election challenger Svetlana Tikhanovskaya has called on supporters to rally again this weekend. They were to gather at midday on Saturday near the Pushkinskaya metro station in the capital Minsk in a honour of Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester who died there on Monday and whose funeral was being held. A "March for Freedom" is planned in central Minsk on Sunday, a week after the contested election that 65-year-old Lukashenko claims to have won with 80 percent of the vote. Tikhanovskaya, a 37-year-old political novice who ran after other opposition candidates including her husband were jailed, accuses Lukashenko of rigging the vote and has demanded he step down so new elections can be held. She left the country on Tuesday for neighbouring Lithuania, with her allies saying she came under official pressure, but on Friday re-emerged with the call for a weekend of "peaceful mass gatherings" in cities across the country. She is also demanding authorities be held to account for a police crackdown on post-election protests that saw more than 6,700 people arrested. Police have used rubber bullets, stun grenades and, in at least one case, live rounds to disperse the crowds, with hundreds injured. Officials have confirmed two deaths in the unrest, including Taraikovsky who they say died when an explosive device went off in his hand during a protest, and another man who died in custody after being arrested in the southeastern city of Gomel. On Friday authorities began releasing hundreds of those arrested and many emerged from detention with horrific accounts of beatings and torture. - Factory workers join protests - Amnesty International condemned "a campaign of widespread torture and other ill-treatment by the Belarusian authorities who are intent on crushing peaceful protests by any means." In some of the biggest demonstrations yet, thousands marched in Minsk on Friday to denounce the police violence and demand Lukashenko step down. In euphoric scenes on Independence Square in Minsk, protesters hugged and kissed young interior ministry troops guarding a government building and put flowers in their anti-riot shields. Unlike the scenes of violent detentions days earlier, police stood by quietly. Large groups of workers from huge tractor and automobile factories downed tools for the first time and marched to the central square, chanting for Lukashenko to "Leave!" and "Long live Belarus!" Protesters danced and sang and waved lit-up mobile phones before gradually dispersing over the evening without police making arrests. European Union ministers agreed Friday to draw up a list of targets in Belarus for a new round of sanctions in response to the post-election crackdown. Sweden's Foreign Minister Ann Linde said in a tweet that the "EU will now initiate a process of sanctions against those responsible for the violence, arrests and fraud in connection with the election." Lukashenko, who has ruled Belarus with an iron grip since 1994, has dismissed the demonstrators as foreign-controlled "sheep" and "people with a criminal past who are now unemployed". In a televised meeting on Friday he claimed people had arrived from Poland, Ukraine and the Netherlands as well as from Russian opposition groups and were using protesters as "cannon fodder". Tikhanovskaya on Friday announced the creation of a Coordination Council to ensure a transfer of power, asking foreign governments to "help us in organising a dialogue with Belarusian authorities". She demanded the authorities release all detainees, remove security forces from the streets and open criminal cases against those who ordered the crackdown.

Belarus braces for weekend protests as pressure grows on Lukashenko

European Union foreign ministers on Friday&nbsp;took the first step towards imposing new sanctions on&nbsp;Belarus by agreeing to drawing up a list of individuals to be blacklisted&nbsp;in response to strongman Alexander Lukashenko's post-election crackdown.

At a videoconference hosted by Brussels' diplomatic chief Josep Borrell, the foreign ministers also agreed to take up the stand-off between Greece and Turkey at their next face-to-face talks.

As Lukashenko's main opposition challenger called for mass weekend rallies to denounce the long-standing leader's disputed claim of re-election, his western neighbours are stepping up pressure. &nbsp;

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/thousands-stage-flower-protest-in-belarus-as-eu-weighs-sanctions-320218">Thousands stage flower protest in Belarus as EU weighs sanctions</a>

"The foreign ministers agreed to impose sanctions on those responsible for the repression and a list of names will be drawn up," one European official said.

Sweden's Foreign Minister Ann Linde said in a tweet that the "EU will now initiate a process of sanctions against those responsible for the violence, arrests and fraud in connection with the election."

Once the list is finalised, each individual or entity on it will have to be approved unanimously by member states, but officials said none of the 27 raised objections to the idea of sanctions.

At least six other European Union states are broadly in favour of imposing sanctions.&nbsp;While Austria, Sweden and Germany lead the hawkish camp, Poland, the Czech Republic, Denmark and the Baltic states have also called for mediation between Lukashenko and the opposition.

Ahead of the meeting there had been calls for action from several EU members, especially Belarus' neighbours Poland and Lithuania, which is now hosting exiled opposition candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya.

Poland, Latvia and Lithuania say they are ready to act as mediators to try to resolve the post-election crisis, after a poll that Brussels has already said was "neither free nor fair".

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda has spoken to Tikhanovskaya and, according to his spokesman, she is ready to help him implement a plan for "peaceful dialogue" to resolve the crisis.

Lithuania also on Friday offered to treat Belarusians injured during the protests and suggested setting up the EU fund to support "the victims of repression".

European Union foreign ministers on Friday took the first step towards imposing new sanctions on Belarus by agreeing to drawing up a list of individuals to be blacklisted in response to strongman Alexander Lukashenko's post-election crackdown.

European Union foreign ministers on Friday took the first step towards imposing new sanctions on Belarus by agreeing to drawing up a list of individuals to be blacklisted in response to strongman Alexander Lukashenko's post-election crackdown. At a videoconference hosted by Brussels' diplomatic chief Josep Borrell, the foreign ministers also agreed to take up the stand-off between Greece and Turkey at their next face-to-face talks. As Lukashenko's main opposition challenger called for mass weekend rallies to denounce the long-standing leader's disputed claim of re-election, his western neighbours are stepping up pressure. Also see: Thousands stage flower protest in Belarus as EU weighs sanctions "The foreign ministers agreed to impose sanctions on those responsible for the repression and a list of names will be drawn up," one European official said. Sweden's Foreign Minister Ann Linde said in a tweet that the "EU will now initiate a process of sanctions against those responsible for the violence, arrests and fraud in connection with the election." Once the list is finalised, each individual or entity on it will have to be approved unanimously by member states, but officials said none of the 27 raised objections to the idea of sanctions. At least six other European Union states are broadly in favour of imposing sanctions. While Austria, Sweden and Germany lead the hawkish camp, Poland, the Czech Republic, Denmark and the Baltic states have also called for mediation between Lukashenko and the opposition. Ahead of the meeting there had been calls for action from several EU members, especially Belarus' neighbours Poland and Lithuania, which is now hosting exiled opposition candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya. Poland, Latvia and Lithuania say they are ready to act as mediators to try to resolve the post-election crisis, after a poll that Brussels has already said was "neither free nor fair". Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda has spoken to Tikhanovskaya and, according to his spokesman, she is ready to help him implement a plan for "peaceful dialogue" to resolve the crisis. Lithuania also on Friday offered to treat Belarusians injured during the protests and suggested setting up the EU fund to support "the victims of repression".

European Union takes first step to slap new sanctions on Belarus, debates Turkey crisis

Belarus government started releasing the detained prisoners to declare peace between the government and the citizens. The prisoners had been detained while protesting against Belarus President&nbsp;Alexander Lukashenko's rule.

The prisoners were released in the early hours of Friday and were greeted with friends and family who welcomed the detainees with tears, hugs, blankets, water and food.

The government also took responsibility for the violence that erupted during the protests.&nbsp;"I take responsibility and apologise for injuries of random people at the protests who got it in the neck," said Minister of Internal Affairs Yuri Karayev.

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The statement came after thousands of detained protestors complained of mistreatment in the cramped-up holding cells. Out of 6,700 detained protestors, hundreds of them came out with bruises over their bodies and face. Some of the detainees claimed they were beaten up after being dragged out of their cells. However,&nbsp;Deputy Interior Minister Alexander Barsukov declined any form of mistreatment or abuse in the holding cells.

President's ally, the head of a national state council Natalya Kochanova, announced that the President had called for a review for the detentions made. "We don`t fight, we don`t need war," she said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belarus-says-police-detained-about-700-protesters-overnight-320212">Also read:&nbsp;Belarus says police detained about 700 protesters overnight</a>

While almost all prisoners were released from the Minsk detention centre, nearly two detainees lost their lives. EU Ambassadors reached the spot of the violence, later, to pay respects to the ones who lost their lives protesting against the government. "We are here to mourn the loss of life and also to show solidarity with the victims of the violence and abuse that has taken place over many Belarusian towns and cities over the last few days," EU envoy Dirk Schuebel said.

Belarus residents have been protesting against the sixth-term of the President&nbsp;Lukashenko, whom they accuse of rigging the election process to stay in power. However,&nbsp;Lukashenko has denied all allegations, claiming the protestors are colluding with foreign establishments and are criminals and unemployed people.

Belarus government started releasing the detained prisoners to declare peace between the government and the citizens. The prisoners had been detained while protesting against Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko's rule.

Belarus government started releasing the detained prisoners to declare peace between the government and the citizens. The prisoners had been detained while protesting against Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko's rule. The prisoners were released in the early hours of Friday and were greeted with friends and family who welcomed the detainees with tears, hugs, blankets, water and food. The government also took responsibility for the violence that erupted during the protests. "I take responsibility and apologise for injuries of random people at the protests who got it in the neck," said Minister of Internal Affairs Yuri Karayev. × The statement came after thousands of detained protestors complained of mistreatment in the cramped-up holding cells. Out of 6,700 detained protestors, hundreds of them came out with bruises over their bodies and face. Some of the detainees claimed they were beaten up after being dragged out of their cells. However, Deputy Interior Minister Alexander Barsukov declined any form of mistreatment or abuse in the holding cells. President's ally, the head of a national state council Natalya Kochanova, announced that the President had called for a review for the detentions made. "We don`t fight, we don`t need war," she said. Also read: Belarus says police detained about 700 protesters overnight While almost all prisoners were released from the Minsk detention centre, nearly two detainees lost their lives. EU Ambassadors reached the spot of the violence, later, to pay respects to the ones who lost their lives protesting against the government. "We are here to mourn the loss of life and also to show solidarity with the victims of the violence and abuse that has taken place over many Belarusian towns and cities over the last few days," EU envoy Dirk Schuebel said. Belarus residents have been protesting against the sixth-term of the President Lukashenko, whom they accuse of rigging the election process to stay in power. However, Lukashenko has denied all allegations, claiming the protestors are colluding with foreign establishments and are criminals and unemployed people.

Belarus protestors released; government denies violence in holding cells

Earlier this week Alexander Lukashenko took office for the 6th consecutive term as the President of Belarus. However, the people of Belarus have completely rejected the poll results. Watch report.

Belarus Protests: EU to discuss sanctions on Belarus

Warning Belarusian President of a civil war, Nobel laureate Svetlana Alexievich asked Alexander Lukashenko to step down peacefully.&nbsp;

Alexievich was awarded the 2015 Nobel Literature Prize for her work which detailed the plight of people under the repressive Soviet rule.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belarusians-should-have-the-freedoms-that-they-are-demanding-pompeo-319992">Belarusians should have the 'freedoms that they are demanding': Pompeo</a>

This was the first time the Nobel Prize-winning author commented on the protests that have erupted ever since Lukashenko won the controversial election in an interview to Radio Liberty/Radio Free Europe.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belarus-president-lukashenko-refuses-to-relent-amid-protests-319806">Belarus President Lukashenko refuses to relent amid protests</a>

"Leave before it's too late, before you've thrown people into a terrible abyss, into the abyss of civil war," she said.&nbsp;

She further said that Lukashenko is obsessed with "power" which will "end up with blood" and blamed the authorities of "declaring war on their own people".&nbsp;

Expressing shock at the "inhumane, satanic" actions of riot police, Alexievich also hinted of Russian collaboration to deploy reinforcements.&nbsp;

She also spoke about frontline presidency candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, whom she backed ahead of the election, calling her a "symbol of change".&nbsp;

"She did what she could. I have nothing bad to say about her. Now let the men take the fore," the Nobel laureate said.&nbsp;

Alexievich also praised the protesters, saying: "I've simply fallen in love with my people over the last few weeks."

"These are completely different people, their strength is completely different. Before I used to be a bit disillusioned -- not now."

(With inputs from AFP)

Warning Belarusian President of a civil war, Nobel laureate Svetlana Alexievich asked Alexander Lukashenko to step down peacefully. Alexievich was awarded the 2015 Nobel Literature Prize for her work which detailed the plight of people under the repressive Soviet rule.

Warning Belarusian President of a civil war, Nobel laureate Svetlana Alexievich asked Alexander Lukashenko to step down peacefully. Alexievich was awarded the 2015 Nobel Literature Prize for her work which detailed the plight of people under the repressive Soviet rule. Also read | Belarusians should have the 'freedoms that they are demanding': Pompeo This was the first time the Nobel Prize-winning author commented on the protests that have erupted ever since Lukashenko won the controversial election in an interview to Radio Liberty/Radio Free Europe. Also read | Belarus President Lukashenko refuses to relent amid protests "Leave before it's too late, before you've thrown people into a terrible abyss, into the abyss of civil war," she said. She further said that Lukashenko is obsessed with "power" which will "end up with blood" and blamed the authorities of "declaring war on their own people". Expressing shock at the "inhumane, satanic" actions of riot police, Alexievich also hinted of Russian collaboration to deploy reinforcements. She also spoke about frontline presidency candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, whom she backed ahead of the election, calling her a "symbol of change". "She did what she could. I have nothing bad to say about her. Now let the men take the fore," the Nobel laureate said. Alexievich also praised the protesters, saying: "I've simply fallen in love with my people over the last few weeks." "These are completely different people, their strength is completely different. Before I used to be a bit disillusioned -- not now." (With inputs from AFP)

Belarus: Nobel laureate asks President Alexander Lukashenko to step down

Alexander Lukashenko's iron grip over Belarus is being threatened by thousands of protesters who are now demanding democratic reforms and rights. Watch report.

Belarus Protests: Hundreds of women march on the streets, Protester dies in custody

Thousands stage flower protest in Belarus as EU weighs sanctions

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