Water from the reservoir of a breached Ukrainian dam is still being pumped to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant to cool reactors and other areas, though levels are at values earlier thought to make it impossible, the U.N. atomic watchdog said on Thursday.

Damaged reservoir can still provide water for big Ukrainian nuclear plant -IAEA

Ukrainians abandoned inundated homes as floodwaters crested across a swathe of the south on Wednesday after the destruction of a vast hydro-electric dam on the front line between Russian and Ukrainian forces that each blamed on the other.

Ukrainians face homelessness, disease as floodwaters crest from destroyed dam

The President of Belarus is offering nukes to any country that supports Russia. Will his offer find any takers? Was Lukashenko joking? Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: Lukashenko offers nukes to anyone who supports Russia

According to Alexander Lukashenko, the president of Belarus, "nuclear weapons will be available for everyone" who decides to join a Russia-Belarus union. After the two nations inked a deal last week allowing Russia to deploy tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, Lukashenko stated in an interview shown on Russian state television on Sunday night that it must be "strategically understood" that Minsk and Moscow have a unique opportunity to join.

Lukashenko: Nuclear weapons to those willing to join Belarus-Russia union

<p>Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko offered, during an interview, that nations will be provided with nuclear weapons if they are willing "to join the Union State of Russia and Belarus".&nbsp;</p>

<p>This comes just days after Lukashenko said that Russia had begun moving nuclear weapons to its territory, which borders the European Union.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The movement and re-stationing of "tactical" nuclear weapons in Belarus led to condemnation from the West and also flared up tensions with The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) nations over the Ukraine conflict.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Media reports have claimed that Lukashenko's comment came during an interview with Russia's Pavel Zarubin, which was filmed on Thursday but was released on Sunday on Ukrainska Pravda.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belarus-president-lukashenko-rushed-to-hospital-after-meeting-with-putin-opposition-leader-597612">Belarus President Lukashenko rushed to hospital after meeting with Putin: Report</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>He claimed that any nations who joined the "Union State" pact between Russia and Belarus would be provided with nuclear weapons, calling the prospect a "unique chance to unite".&nbsp;</p>

<p>As quoted by reports, Lukashenko told Zarubin: "If someone is worried... I don't think [President of Kazakhstan] Kassym Tokayev is worried about this, but if something suddenly happens, then no one minds Kazakhstan and other countries having the same close relations as we have with the Russian Federation."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It's very simple. [Countries] should join the union of Belarus with Russia, and that's it: there will be nuclear weapons for everyone," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For the unversed, Russia and Belarus are formally part of a Union State, which is a borderless union and alliance between the two former Soviet republics.&nbsp;</p>

<p>So far there are details regarding what Lukashenko exactly wanted to say or whether or not there's a formal plan to invite nations to join the "Union State" of Russia and Belarus.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Russian warship 'Ivan Khurs' arrives in Sevastopol following naval drone attack&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Russia sending nuclear arms to Belarus&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier this week, when reports emerged that Russia was sending nuclear arms to Belarus in the Ukraine fight, Lukashenko said, according to state news agency Belta: "It was necessary to prepare storage sites, and so on. We did all this. Therefore, the movement of nuclear weapons began."&nbsp;</p>

<p>While promising the safety of those weapons, he said, "This is not even up for discussion. Don't worry about nuclear weapons. We are responsible for this. These are serious issues. Everything will be alright here."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Lukashenko, who is a close ally of Putin, has allowed his territory, which borders Ukraine as well as EU and NATO members Poland and Lithuania, to serve as a staging ground for Russia's Ukraine offensive.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Russia-Ukraine war started last year in February when Putin ordered his troops to launch a "special military operation" against&nbsp;the neighbour. Since the start of the war, each have accused the other of nuclear war provocation.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko offered, during an interview, that nations will be provided with nuclear weapons if they are willing "to join the Union State of Russia and Belarus".

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko offered, during an interview, that nations will be provided with nuclear weapons if they are willing "to join the Union State of Russia and Belarus". This comes just days after Lukashenko said that Russia had begun moving nuclear weapons to its territory, which borders the European Union. The movement and re-stationing of "tactical" nuclear weapons in Belarus led to condemnation from the West and also flared up tensions with The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) nations over the Ukraine conflict. Media reports have claimed that Lukashenko's comment came during an interview with Russia's Pavel Zarubin, which was filmed on Thursday but was released on Sunday on Ukrainska Pravda. ALSO READ | Belarus President Lukashenko rushed to hospital after meeting with Putin: Report He claimed that any nations who joined the "Union State" pact between Russia and Belarus would be provided with nuclear weapons, calling the prospect a "unique chance to unite". As quoted by reports, Lukashenko told Zarubin: "If someone is worried... I don't think [President of Kazakhstan] Kassym Tokayev is worried about this, but if something suddenly happens, then no one minds Kazakhstan and other countries having the same close relations as we have with the Russian Federation." "It's very simple. [Countries] should join the union of Belarus with Russia, and that's it: there will be nuclear weapons for everyone," he added. For the unversed, Russia and Belarus are formally part of a Union State, which is a borderless union and alliance between the two former Soviet republics. So far there are details regarding what Lukashenko exactly wanted to say or whether or not there's a formal plan to invite nations to join the "Union State" of Russia and Belarus. WATCH | Russian warship 'Ivan Khurs' arrives in Sevastopol following naval drone attack × Russia sending nuclear arms to Belarus Earlier this week, when reports emerged that Russia was sending nuclear arms to Belarus in the Ukraine fight, Lukashenko said, according to state news agency Belta: "It was necessary to prepare storage sites, and so on. We did all this. Therefore, the movement of nuclear weapons began." While promising the safety of those weapons, he said, "This is not even up for discussion. Don't worry about nuclear weapons. We are responsible for this. These are serious issues. Everything will be alright here." Lukashenko, who is a close ally of Putin, has allowed his territory, which borders Ukraine as well as EU and NATO members Poland and Lithuania, to serve as a staging ground for Russia's Ukraine offensive. The Russia-Ukraine war started last year in February when Putin ordered his troops to launch a "special military operation" against the neighbour. Since the start of the war, each have accused the other of nuclear war provocation. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Lukashenko's promise: Nukes for those who join 'Russia-Belarus union state'

<p>Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko has "urgently" been taken to a hospital in Moscow and now is in critical condition after meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin, said the Belarus opposition leader, Valery Tsepkalo. According to Tsepkalo, Lukashenko was taken to Moscow’s Central Clinical Hospital after his meeting with Putin.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What do we know?</strong></h2>

<p>"According to preliminary information, subject to further confirmation, Lukashenko was urgently transported to Moscow’s Central Clinical Hospital after his closed-door meeting with Putin. Currently, he remains under medical care there," said Tsepkalo on Twitter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also said that the Belarus president remains under the care of leading specialists to "address his critical condition," adding that blood purification procedures have been conducted and Lukashenko's condition has been deemed "non-transportable".</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">According to preliminary information, subject to further confirmation, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Lukashenko?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Lukashenko</a> was urgently transported to Moscow's Central Clinical Hospital after his closed-door meeting with <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Putin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Putin</a>. Currently, he remains under medical care there. Leading specialists have been mobilized to… <a href="https://t.co/xTQ1O7Yp2W">pic.twitter.com/xTQ1O7Yp2W</a></p>
— Valery Tsepkalo (@ValeryTsepkalo) <a href="https://twitter.com/ValeryTsepkalo/status/1662397252411830272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 27, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>“The orchestrated efforts to save the Belarusian dictator are aimed to dispel speculations regarding Kremlin's alleged involvement in his poisoning,” said the former presidential candidate and ex-ambassador to the United States.</p>

<h2><strong>Rumours about Belarus leader’s health</strong></h2>

<p>Rumours centred around Lukashenko’s health have been doing the rounds for some time now. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier on May 9, Lukashenko left Russia soon after the Victory Day parade in Moscow. He skipped lunch with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Media reports say that during his Russia visit, Lukashenko looked visibly tired and that his right hand was in a bandage.</p>

<p>Lukashenko's last public appearance was when he laid flowers in Belarus's capital Minsk during the country's own Victory Day celebrations (May 9), which he had attended hours after returning from Moscow.</p>

<p>He later appeared in public and dismissed the rumours saying, "I'm not going to die, guys. You'll have to struggle with me for a very long time to come."</p>

<p>The 68-year-old is among Putin's closest allies. According to media reports, Lukashenko, sounding hoarse, told a meeting on health issues that he had been suffering from an adenovirus, a common cold virus, earlier this month.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"If someone thinks I am going to die, calm down," said Lukashenko, adding that he only took three days to recover and had been too busy to take time off immediately.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Who is Valery Tsepkalo?</strong></h2>

<p>Tsepkalo, a former head of Belarus’ Silicon Valley, the High Technology Park and a former presidential candidate who intended to run in 2020, but was barred from registering. Notably, this wife, Veronika Tsepkalo, is one of three women who led historic opposition protests ahead of the Belarus presidential election in 2020.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In April, Tsepkalo was sentenced to 17 years in a high-security prison, as per the state-run news agency Belta. He also fled Belarus three years ago and is currently based in Latvia, where reportedly helps Belarusian refugees and female victims of political repression.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

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Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko has "urgently" been taken to a hospital in Moscow and now is in critical condition after meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin, said the Belarus opposition leader, Valery Tsepkalo.

Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko has "urgently" been taken to a hospital in Moscow and now is in critical condition after meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin, said the Belarus opposition leader, Valery Tsepkalo. According to Tsepkalo, Lukashenko was taken to Moscow’s Central Clinical Hospital after his meeting with Putin. What do we know? "According to preliminary information, subject to further confirmation, Lukashenko was urgently transported to Moscow’s Central Clinical Hospital after his closed-door meeting with Putin. Currently, he remains under medical care there," said Tsepkalo on Twitter. He also said that the Belarus president remains under the care of leading specialists to "address his critical condition," adding that blood purification procedures have been conducted and Lukashenko's condition has been deemed "non-transportable". According to preliminary information, subject to further confirmation, #Lukashenko was urgently transported to Moscow's Central Clinical Hospital after his closed-door meeting with #Putin. Currently, he remains under medical care there. Leading specialists have been mobilized to… pic.twitter.com/xTQ1O7Yp2W — Valery Tsepkalo (@ValeryTsepkalo) May 27, 2023 × “The orchestrated efforts to save the Belarusian dictator are aimed to dispel speculations regarding Kremlin's alleged involvement in his poisoning,” said the former presidential candidate and ex-ambassador to the United States. Rumours about Belarus leader’s health Rumours centred around Lukashenko’s health have been doing the rounds for some time now. Earlier on May 9, Lukashenko left Russia soon after the Victory Day parade in Moscow. He skipped lunch with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Media reports say that during his Russia visit, Lukashenko looked visibly tired and that his right hand was in a bandage. Lukashenko's last public appearance was when he laid flowers in Belarus's capital Minsk during the country's own Victory Day celebrations (May 9), which he had attended hours after returning from Moscow. He later appeared in public and dismissed the rumours saying, "I'm not going to die, guys. You'll have to struggle with me for a very long time to come." The 68-year-old is among Putin's closest allies. According to media reports, Lukashenko, sounding hoarse, told a meeting on health issues that he had been suffering from an adenovirus, a common cold virus, earlier this month. "If someone thinks I am going to die, calm down," said Lukashenko, adding that he only took three days to recover and had been too busy to take time off immediately. Who is Valery Tsepkalo? Tsepkalo, a former head of Belarus’ Silicon Valley, the High Technology Park and a former presidential candidate who intended to run in 2020, but was barred from registering. Notably, this wife, Veronika Tsepkalo, is one of three women who led historic opposition protests ahead of the Belarus presidential election in 2020. In April, Tsepkalo was sentenced to 17 years in a high-security prison, as per the state-run news agency Belta. He also fled Belarus three years ago and is currently based in Latvia, where reportedly helps Belarusian refugees and female victims of political repression. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Belarus President Lukashenko rushed to hospital after meeting with Putin: Report

Belarus president Alexander Lukashenko was rushed to a Moscow hospital after meeting Vladimir Putin, according to a Belarusian opposition leader.

Belarus president 'rushed to hospital' minutes after holding meeting with Putin

Belarus leader Lukashenko invites nations to join Russian alliance

After meeting Russian Premier Vladimir Putin, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko has been taken to hospital in Moscow and is in critical condition. While the cause of his declining health is yet to be identified Lukashenko's political rival has now pointed a finger at the Kremlin alleging that the leader has been poisoned.

Belarusian President Lukashenko critically ill after meeting with Russian leader Putin

<p>A day after US President Joe Biden criticised Russia for deploying tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus,&nbsp;Moscow has responded.&nbsp;Russia's embassy in the United States released a statement dismissing the criticism, adding that Moscow was moving ahead with the deployment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It is the sovereign right of Russia and Belarus to ensure their security by means we deem necessary amidst of a large-scale hybrid war unleashed by Washington against us," read the statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The measures we undertake are fully consistent with our international legal obligations."</p>

<p>The consulate called out the USA for its hypocrisy as Washington had deployed hoards of nuclear weapons in Europe&nbsp;to keep enemies in check.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The United States has been for decades maintaining a large arsenal of its nuclear weapons in Europe. Together with its NATO allies, it participates in nuclear sharing arrangements and trains for scenarios of nuclear weapons use against our country," the embassy added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tactical nuclear arms are battlefield weapons that, while devastating, have a smaller yield compared to long-range strategic weapons.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-why-is-russia-sending-nuclear-arms-to-belarus-596926"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine war: Why is Russia sending nuclear arms to Belarus?</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Biden not enthused by the deployment</strong></h2>

<p>Notably, on Friday, Biden said he felt&nbsp;"extremely negative" about the prospect of Russian nuclear weapons in Belarus.&nbsp;</p>

<p>''Extremely negative is my reaction," Biden told reporters before he left Washington for Camp David.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Lukashenko announces the deployment</strong></h2>

<p>On Thursday,&nbsp;Belarus President&nbsp;Alexander Lukashenko announced Russia has started moving tactical nuclear weapons to his country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The transfer of nuclear munitions has begun," Lukashenko told reporters during a visit to Moscow.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We had to prepare storage areas and stuff. We have done this, so the movement of nuclear weapons has already begun," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-has-begun-moving-nuclear-weapons-to-belarus-says-lukashenko-596528"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;Russia has started moving nuclear weapons to Belarus, says Lukashenko</strong></a></p>

<p>It was in March earlier this year that&nbsp;Russian President Vladimir Putin first announced plans to move Russia's tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus.&nbsp;Putin's announcement had spurred fears of nuclear conflict, but experts and governments said it was unlikely that the move would change the course of the conflict.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, this is the first time since 1991 when the Soviet Union collapsed that Russia is deploying such bombs outside Russia. Interestingly, after the balkanisation of the Soviet Union,&nbsp;Ukraine briefly held the title of the third-largest nuclear power in the world. Still reeling from the effects of disintegration, Moscow had left thousands of nuclear arms on Ukrainian soil.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ukraine could have easily dominated the world order with the stockpile of nuclear arsenal it had. However,&nbsp;the USA, UK and other Western powers persuaded it to give up on nuclear ambitions.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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A day after US President Joe Biden criticised Russia for deploying tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, Moscow has responded. Russia's embassy in the United States released a statement dismissing the criticism, adding that Moscow was moving ahead with the deployment.

A day after US President Joe Biden criticised Russia for deploying tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, Moscow has responded. Russia's embassy in the United States released a statement dismissing the criticism, adding that Moscow was moving ahead with the deployment. "It is the sovereign right of Russia and Belarus to ensure their security by means we deem necessary amidst of a large-scale hybrid war unleashed by Washington against us," read the statement. "The measures we undertake are fully consistent with our international legal obligations." The consulate called out the USA for its hypocrisy as Washington had deployed hoards of nuclear weapons in Europe to keep enemies in check. "The United States has been for decades maintaining a large arsenal of its nuclear weapons in Europe. Together with its NATO allies, it participates in nuclear sharing arrangements and trains for scenarios of nuclear weapons use against our country," the embassy added. Tactical nuclear arms are battlefield weapons that, while devastating, have a smaller yield compared to long-range strategic weapons. WATCH | Russia-Ukraine war: Why is Russia sending nuclear arms to Belarus? × Biden not enthused by the deployment Notably, on Friday, Biden said he felt "extremely negative" about the prospect of Russian nuclear weapons in Belarus. ''Extremely negative is my reaction," Biden told reporters before he left Washington for Camp David. Lukashenko announces the deployment On Thursday, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko announced Russia has started moving tactical nuclear weapons to his country. "The transfer of nuclear munitions has begun," Lukashenko told reporters during a visit to Moscow. “We had to prepare storage areas and stuff. We have done this, so the movement of nuclear weapons has already begun," he added. ALSO READ | Russia has started moving nuclear weapons to Belarus, says Lukashenko It was in March earlier this year that Russian President Vladimir Putin first announced plans to move Russia's tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus. Putin's announcement had spurred fears of nuclear conflict, but experts and governments said it was unlikely that the move would change the course of the conflict. Notably, this is the first time since 1991 when the Soviet Union collapsed that Russia is deploying such bombs outside Russia. Interestingly, after the balkanisation of the Soviet Union, Ukraine briefly held the title of the third-largest nuclear power in the world. Still reeling from the effects of disintegration, Moscow had left thousands of nuclear arms on Ukrainian soil. Ukraine could have easily dominated the world order with the stockpile of nuclear arsenal it had. However, the USA, UK and other Western powers persuaded it to give up on nuclear ambitions. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Moscow schools US for criticising deployment of nuclear weapons in Belarus

Russian nuclear warheads have reached Belarus. Lukashenko has confirmed the movement. Russia says Western provocation forced it to deploy nukes. Is the war taking a nuclear turn? Listen in to Molly Gambhir.

Gravitas | Russia-Ukraine War: Nuclear weapons reach Belarus. Should you be worried?

Alexander Lukashenko the Belarusian president has confirmed the relocation of some tactical nuclear weapons from Russia to Belarus. He says the process has already started and he has allowed his territory which borders Ukraine as well as EU and NATO members Poland and Lithuania to serve as a launching part for Russia's Ukraine offensive. This comes after Russia signed a deal with its close ally Belarus about the storage of the warheads at the special facility that should be finished in just over a month's time.

Will there be a Nuclear War? Belarus, the new chapter in Russia-Ukraine war

Tactical Nuclear Weapons typically refer to short-range weapons. The categorisation includes land-based missiles with a range of less than 500 kilometres & air and sea-launched weapons with a range of less than 600 kilometres. Tactical nukes are the least-regulated category of nuclear weapons covered in arms control agreements. They are only subject to an informal regime created by unilateral, parallel declarations, made by George Bush & Mikhail Gorbachev in the fall of 1991.

Russia-Belarus nuclear agreement; former to send Nuclear Weapons to Belarus

Russia plans to deploy tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus and as per Alexander Lukashenko the war heads are already on the move. Putin has already warned that Russia, with way more nuclear weapons than other countries, will use all means to defend itself.

Russia vs The West: What are tactical nuclear weapons? | Russia-Ukraine war

<p>Japan will place additional sanctions on Russia after the Group of Seven (G7) summit the country hosted last week agreed to step up measures to punish Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno said on Friday.</p>

<p>Matsuno, Tokyo's top government spokesperson, also condemned Russia's move on Thursday to deploy tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, saying it would further intensify situations around the invasion of Ukraine.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/more-than-5000-new-species-discovered-in-planned-mining-zone-of-pacific-ocean-596583">More than 5,000 new species discovered on seabed of Pacific Ocean</a></p>

<p>"As the only country to have suffered atomic bombings during wartime, Japan never accepts Russia's nuclear menace, let alone its use," Matsuno told a regular press conference.</p>

<p>The leaders of G7, including the United States, Britain, Germany and France, last week showed their resolve to support Ukraine with additional military aids and sanctions on Russia, at the annual summit held in the world's first atomic-bombed city Hiroshima.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/elon-musks-neuralink-cleared-for-human-test-of-brain-implants-596576">Elon Musk's Neuralink cleared for human test of brain implants</a></p>

<p>In a co-ordinated action with G7, Japan will freeze assets of 78 groups and 17 individuals including army officers in Russia and ban exports to 80 Russian entities such as military-affiliated research labs, according to a Friday foreign ministry statement.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Battleground Bakhmut: Russia vs Ukraine | WION Wideangle</strong></p>

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<p>Japan will also ban providing construction and engineering services to Russia, although the details of the measure will be announced at a later date, a trade ministry statement said.</p>

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Japan will place additional sanctions on Russia after the Group of Seven (G7) summit the country hosted last week agreed to step up measures to punish Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno said on Friday.

Japan will place additional sanctions on Russia after the Group of Seven (G7) summit the country hosted last week agreed to step up measures to punish Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno said on Friday. Matsuno, Tokyo's top government spokesperson, also condemned Russia's move on Thursday to deploy tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, saying it would further intensify situations around the invasion of Ukraine. Also Read | More than 5,000 new species discovered on seabed of Pacific Ocean "As the only country to have suffered atomic bombings during wartime, Japan never accepts Russia's nuclear menace, let alone its use," Matsuno told a regular press conference. The leaders of G7, including the United States, Britain, Germany and France, last week showed their resolve to support Ukraine with additional military aids and sanctions on Russia, at the annual summit held in the world's first atomic-bombed city Hiroshima. Also Read | Elon Musk's Neuralink cleared for human test of brain implants In a co-ordinated action with G7, Japan will freeze assets of 78 groups and 17 individuals including army officers in Russia and ban exports to 80 Russian entities such as military-affiliated research labs, according to a Friday foreign ministry statement. Watch | Battleground Bakhmut: Russia vs Ukraine | WION Wideangle × Japan will also ban providing construction and engineering services to Russia, although the details of the measure will be announced at a later date, a trade ministry statement said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Japan ramps up Russia sanctions with G7, condemns nuke deployment in Belarus

<p>Ukraine is investigating Belarus' suspected involvement in the forced transfer of minors from Russian-occupied territory, the prosecutor general's office said on Tuesday (May 23).</p>

<p>The declaration followed an allegation by the exiled Belarusian opposition saying that 2,150 Ukrainian children, including orphans aged six to 15, had been shipped to so-called recreation camps and sanatoriums in Belarus.</p>

<p>Based on the early assessment of the National Anti-Crisis Management, a group of political opponents of President Alexander Lukashenko's regime, the children were transferred to at least three locations in Belarus.</p>

<p>The office of Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin has opened criminal procedures into "the forced transportation/deportation of over 19,000 children" from the seized areas of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and Luhansk, as per a Reuters report.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The fact and circumstances of taking Ukrainian children from the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine to the so-called 'recreational camps' in Belarus are currently under investigation in the mentioned criminal proceedings," it said.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-intercepts-us-military-jets-over-baltic-sea-595713">Russia intercepts two US military jets over Baltic Sea</a></p>

<h2><strong>What are the violations involved?</strong></h2>

<p>The International Criminal Court, the world's permanent war crimes tribunal, issued arrest warrants in March for Russian President Vladimir Putin and his children's rights ombudsman, Maria Lvova-Belova, on two charges of war crimes in connection with the relocation of hundreds of Ukrainian children to Russia.</p>

<p>In the words of Yulia Ioffe, an assistant professor at University College London and an expert in children's rights legislation, if the allegations are proven, Belarus would "highly likely" be violating the Convention on the Rights of the Child.</p>

<p>"The actions of Belarus may also amount to the crime against humanity of ‘deportation of forcible transfer of population’ under the Rome Statute of the ICC, provided there is sufficient evidence of forcible transfers being widespread or systematic," Ioffe said.</p>

<p>Belarus, in any case, cannot be deemed a neutral nation to which children might lawfully be evacuated because there is no proof that Ukraine has provided authorisation, she added.</p>

<p>As per&nbsp;the report, Ukrainian children were brought to the Belarusian Golden Sands Sanatorium in the Gomel area, as well as the Ostroshitsky Gorodok Sanatorium and Dubrava camp in the Minsk region.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine war: Why does Ukraine wants F-16 jets?&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>The transfers of minors to Belarus were illegal and violated the Geneva Conventions and the statute of the International Criminal Court, the report said.</p>

<p>Additionally,&nbsp;the first group of roughly 350 youngsters arrived from the seized Donetsk area on September 5 and 6, followed by the second and third groups in late September and mid-October. Additional transfers were performed in April and May of this year.</p>

<p>The children were transported&nbsp;by bus to Russia from Russian-held territories of Ukraine and then by train to Belarus, it said.</p>

<p>"Lukashenko personally ordered the transfers of orphans to Belarus and facilitated their arrival by financial and organisational support," it said, accusing him of war crimes.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Ukraine is investigating Belarus' suspected involvement in the forced transfer of minors from Russian-occupied territory, the prosecutor general's office said on Tuesday (May 23).

Ukraine is investigating Belarus' suspected involvement in the forced transfer of minors from Russian-occupied territory, the prosecutor general's office said on Tuesday (May 23). The declaration followed an allegation by the exiled Belarusian opposition saying that 2,150 Ukrainian children, including orphans aged six to 15, had been shipped to so-called recreation camps and sanatoriums in Belarus. Based on the early assessment of the National Anti-Crisis Management, a group of political opponents of President Alexander Lukashenko's regime, the children were transferred to at least three locations in Belarus. The office of Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin has opened criminal procedures into "the forced transportation/deportation of over 19,000 children" from the seized areas of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and Luhansk, as per a Reuters report. "The fact and circumstances of taking Ukrainian children from the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine to the so-called 'recreational camps' in Belarus are currently under investigation in the mentioned criminal proceedings," it said. ALSO READ | Russia intercepts two US military jets over Baltic Sea What are the violations involved? The International Criminal Court, the world's permanent war crimes tribunal, issued arrest warrants in March for Russian President Vladimir Putin and his children's rights ombudsman, Maria Lvova-Belova, on two charges of war crimes in connection with the relocation of hundreds of Ukrainian children to Russia. In the words of Yulia Ioffe, an assistant professor at University College London and an expert in children's rights legislation, if the allegations are proven, Belarus would "highly likely" be violating the Convention on the Rights of the Child. "The actions of Belarus may also amount to the crime against humanity of ‘deportation of forcible transfer of population’ under the Rome Statute of the ICC, provided there is sufficient evidence of forcible transfers being widespread or systematic," Ioffe said. Belarus, in any case, cannot be deemed a neutral nation to which children might lawfully be evacuated because there is no proof that Ukraine has provided authorisation, she added. As per the report, Ukrainian children were brought to the Belarusian Golden Sands Sanatorium in the Gomel area, as well as the Ostroshitsky Gorodok Sanatorium and Dubrava camp in the Minsk region. ALSO WATCH | Russia-Ukraine war: Why does Ukraine wants F-16 jets? The transfers of minors to Belarus were illegal and violated the Geneva Conventions and the statute of the International Criminal Court, the report said. Additionally, the first group of roughly 350 youngsters arrived from the seized Donetsk area on September 5 and 6, followed by the second and third groups in late September and mid-October. Additional transfers were performed in April and May of this year. The children were transported by bus to Russia from Russian-held territories of Ukraine and then by train to Belarus, it said. "Lukashenko personally ordered the transfers of orphans to Belarus and facilitated their arrival by financial and organisational support," it said, accusing him of war crimes. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Ukraine probing reports of 2,150 children being shipped to Belarus, says prosecutor

<p>Belarusian opposition blogger, Roman Protasevich, whose arrest made international headlines after the plane he was on was forced to land in Minsk in 2021, was pardoned on Monday (May 22), reported the Belarusian state news agency Belta. The reported pardon also comes weeks after he was sentenced to eight years in prison.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Protasevich gets ‘pardoned’&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>“I have literally just signed all the relevant documents stating that I have been pardoned,” said Protasevich to reporters, as quoted by Belta. He also went on to call it “great news.” He added, “I am incredibly grateful to the country and of course, to the president personally for such a decision.”&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Charges against the blogger</strong></h2>

<p>The 28-year-old, who worked as a journalist at the news outlet Nexta, had been sentenced to eight years in prison on charges including inciting terrorism, organising mass disturbances and slandering Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. As per reports, the Nexta Telegram account had coordinated mass protests against the Belarusian president in 2020.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The news outlet Nexta had extensively reported on the protests that followed Lukashenko’s win in the 2020 presidential election which the opposition and Western governments denounced as rigged. Following the election results, the officials began a crackdown which resulted in the detention or exile of prominent opposition figures.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This also included the news outlet’s founder Stsiapan Putsila and former editor Yan Rudik who were sentenced by the same court to 20 and 19 years in prison, respectively. Last year, the Belarusian government also declared Nexta a “terrorist organisation”.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Protasevich’s shocking arrest and what followed</strong></h2>

<p>The Belarusian opposition blogger’s arrest shocked the world of aviation authorities after a Belarusian fighter jet forced a civilian aircraft, Ryanair flight, travelling from Greece to Lithuania to land in Minsk. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Protasevich was kept under house arrest after the trial. However, there is very little known about his treatment by the authorities in the Russia-allied country as many believe he was coerced into issuing apologetic statements on state television following his arrest.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, some exiled Belarusian opposition figures&nbsp;have&nbsp;accused him of collaborating with authorities and said the admissions were false. This comes as Protasevich was shown on state television tearfully confessing to involvement in anti-government protests and plotting to topple Lukashenko’s government.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
<br />
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Belarusian opposition blogger, Roman Protasevich, whose arrest made international headlines after the plane he was on was forced to land in Minsk in 2021, was pardoned on Monday (May 22), reported the Belarusian state news agency Belta.

Belarusian opposition blogger, Roman Protasevich, whose arrest made international headlines after the plane he was on was forced to land in Minsk in 2021, was pardoned on Monday (May 22), reported the Belarusian state news agency Belta. The reported pardon also comes weeks after he was sentenced to eight years in prison. Protasevich gets ‘pardoned’ “I have literally just signed all the relevant documents stating that I have been pardoned,” said Protasevich to reporters, as quoted by Belta. He also went on to call it “great news.” He added, “I am incredibly grateful to the country and of course, to the president personally for such a decision.” Charges against the blogger The 28-year-old, who worked as a journalist at the news outlet Nexta, had been sentenced to eight years in prison on charges including inciting terrorism, organising mass disturbances and slandering Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. As per reports, the Nexta Telegram account had coordinated mass protests against the Belarusian president in 2020. The news outlet Nexta had extensively reported on the protests that followed Lukashenko’s win in the 2020 presidential election which the opposition and Western governments denounced as rigged. Following the election results, the officials began a crackdown which resulted in the detention or exile of prominent opposition figures. This also included the news outlet’s founder Stsiapan Putsila and former editor Yan Rudik who were sentenced by the same court to 20 and 19 years in prison, respectively. Last year, the Belarusian government also declared Nexta a “terrorist organisation”. Protasevich’s shocking arrest and what followed The Belarusian opposition blogger’s arrest shocked the world of aviation authorities after a Belarusian fighter jet forced a civilian aircraft, Ryanair flight, travelling from Greece to Lithuania to land in Minsk. Protasevich was kept under house arrest after the trial. However, there is very little known about his treatment by the authorities in the Russia-allied country as many believe he was coerced into issuing apologetic statements on state television following his arrest. Meanwhile, some exiled Belarusian opposition figures have accused him of collaborating with authorities and said the admissions were false. This comes as Protasevich was shown on state television tearfully confessing to involvement in anti-government protests and plotting to topple Lukashenko’s government. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Belarusian activist Roman Protasevich arrested on Ryanair flight ‘pardoned’

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the Group of Seven (G7) summit in Japan Saturday, the first in-person meeting between the two since Russia’s invasion began.

Ukraine’s Zelensky and India’s Modi hold first face-to-face since Russian invasion

<p>Belarus has begun building military fortifications along its border with Ukraine, according to the Belarusian monitoring organisation Belaruski Hayun, as reported by the Moscow Times.&nbsp;Construction equipment and a line of miniature anti-tank concrete pyramids known as dragon's teeth were sighted 10 kilometres from Gomel, a city located 44 kilometres from the Ukrainian border as per&nbsp;Belaruski Hayun.</p>

<p>During World War II, dragon's teeth were commonly utilised to impede the advance of enemy vehicles and soldiers.</p>

<p>Their deployment in Belarus, a close Russian ally that granted Moscow permission to invade Ukraine through its territory in February 2022, comes ahead of a widely anticipated Ukrainian counteroffensive.</p>

<p>This week, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko called the Ukrainian counteroffensive "disinformation."</p>

<p>"There is no ‘counteroffensive,’ from my point of view, and there cannot be. It's simply madness,” Lukashenko&nbsp;said&nbsp;Thursday at a meeting of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation’s (CSTO) Parliamentary Assembly.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Belarusian military will conduct territorial exercises in the Gomel area from May 11 to June 2.</p>

<p>After Ukraine's successful counteroffensive in the fall of 2022, which saw Kyiv regain swaths of the northeast and south from invading Russian soldiers, Russian forces began vigorously erecting defensive lines.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mercenaries from the Wagner private military company (PMC) began building fortifications in the eastern Donetsk area in September, where Russia has been focusing its effort for months.</p>

<p>This "line" was supposed to run east from the Russian-Ukrainian border to Kremennoye, then south to Svetlodarsk. A line of this length would be around 217 km long, according to CNN.</p>

<p>Furthermore, Russia has built defensive fortifications along the left bank of the Dnipro River, where Russian soldiers fled after abandoning Kherson.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-intensifies-attack-on-kyiv-overnight-air-defence-remains-active-594323">Russia intensifies attack on Ukraine overnight; Kyiv says air defence active</a></p>

<p>The construction of dragon's teeth has also been mentioned by governors of Russia's border areas with Ukraine, notably Belgorod region Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov.</p>

<h2><strong>Belarus' involvement in the Russia-Ukraine war</strong></h2>

<p>Belarus has always functioned as a launch pad for Russia's assault against Ukraine. Despite earlier promises from top Belarusian authorities that this would not happen, Russian forces invaded Ukraine via Belarus, and the nation has consistently supplied logistical support, supply lines, and medical treatment for Russian soldiers. Russian military planes have utilised Belarusian airfields, and Russia had fired at least 717 missiles from Belarus as of mid-September, as per the European Leadership Network.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;G7 Hiroshima Meet 2023: PM Modi meets Ukraine Prez Zelensky for first time since Russian invasion</strong></p>

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<p>According to a group of independent Belarusian monitors, Belarus also delivered over 65,000 tonnes of ammunition, over 100 Soviet-era tanks (such as the TM-72A), and roughly 20 armoured vehicles to Russia between March and September.</p>

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Belarus has begun building military fortifications along its border with Ukraine, according to the Belarusian monitoring organisation Belaruski Hayun, as reported by the Moscow Times.

Belarus has begun building military fortifications along its border with Ukraine, according to the Belarusian monitoring organisation Belaruski Hayun, as reported by the Moscow Times. Construction equipment and a line of miniature anti-tank concrete pyramids known as dragon's teeth were sighted 10 kilometres from Gomel, a city located 44 kilometres from the Ukrainian border as per Belaruski Hayun. During World War II, dragon's teeth were commonly utilised to impede the advance of enemy vehicles and soldiers. Their deployment in Belarus, a close Russian ally that granted Moscow permission to invade Ukraine through its territory in February 2022, comes ahead of a widely anticipated Ukrainian counteroffensive. This week, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko called the Ukrainian counteroffensive "disinformation." "There is no ‘counteroffensive,’ from my point of view, and there cannot be. It's simply madness,” Lukashenko said Thursday at a meeting of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation’s (CSTO) Parliamentary Assembly. The Belarusian military will conduct territorial exercises in the Gomel area from May 11 to June 2. After Ukraine's successful counteroffensive in the fall of 2022, which saw Kyiv regain swaths of the northeast and south from invading Russian soldiers, Russian forces began vigorously erecting defensive lines. Mercenaries from the Wagner private military company (PMC) began building fortifications in the eastern Donetsk area in September, where Russia has been focusing its effort for months. This "line" was supposed to run east from the Russian-Ukrainian border to Kremennoye, then south to Svetlodarsk. A line of this length would be around 217 km long, according to CNN. Furthermore, Russia has built defensive fortifications along the left bank of the Dnipro River, where Russian soldiers fled after abandoning Kherson. ALSO READ | Russia intensifies attack on Ukraine overnight; Kyiv says air defence active The construction of dragon's teeth has also been mentioned by governors of Russia's border areas with Ukraine, notably Belgorod region Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov. Belarus' involvement in the Russia-Ukraine war Belarus has always functioned as a launch pad for Russia's assault against Ukraine. Despite earlier promises from top Belarusian authorities that this would not happen, Russian forces invaded Ukraine via Belarus, and the nation has consistently supplied logistical support, supply lines, and medical treatment for Russian soldiers. Russian military planes have utilised Belarusian airfields, and Russia had fired at least 717 missiles from Belarus as of mid-September, as per the European Leadership Network. ALSO WATCH | G7 Hiroshima Meet 2023: PM Modi meets Ukraine Prez Zelensky for first time since Russian invasion According to a group of independent Belarusian monitors, Belarus also delivered over 65,000 tonnes of ammunition, over 100 Soviet-era tanks (such as the TM-72A), and roughly 20 armoured vehicles to Russia between March and September. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Belarus building defensive fortifications near Ukraine border: Reports

An agreement allowing Ukraine to export millions of tonnes of grain through the Black Sea despite the ongoing conflict with Russia has been extended.

Ukraine conflict: Black Sea grain deal extended for two months

A US-made Patriot missile defence system being used by Ukrainian forces has likely suffered some damage from a Russian air attack but does not appear to have been destroyed.

Patriot missile system in Ukraine damaged but operational

The head of Ukraine's Supreme Court was dismissed from his post on Tuesday after being detained in a bribery investigation which anti-corruption authorities cast as their biggest-ever case.

Ukraine Supreme Court chief dismissed after being detained in bribery case

Rumours regarding his health, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, who was last seen on May 9 during Victory Day ceremonies, was captured on camera by Belarus' State News Channel at what it claimed was a military command centre. This is Lukashenko's first public appearance in nearly a week.

New photo of Lukashenko amid health speculation

<p>Belarus president Alexander Lukashenko re-appeared in public on Monday (May 15) after nearly a week-long absence sparking reports of health concerns. Lukashenko said that Belarus had been put on high alert, adding that four aircrafts had reportedly been shot out of the sky in southern Russia.</p>

<p>Lukashenko, 68, visited the ex-Soviet country's air force central command. He looked grim, wore a military uniform and had a bandage on his hand.</p>

<p>Lukashenko said Belarus put forces on alert for three days following the incident in a southern Russian region on the border with Ukraine.</p>

<p>"Three days have passed after the events near us, I mean in the region of Bryansk where four aircraft were shot down", Lukashenko said without providing further details.</p>

<p>"We had to react," he said.</p>

<p>Russian social media was rife on Saturday with footage of several Russian aircrafts crashing in Bryansk region. On video apparently showed a helicopter being hit and catching fire.</p>

<p>While the Russian defence ministry did not comment, Alexander Bogomaz, the governor of the Bryansk region, said a helicopter crashed in the town of Klintsy.</p>

<p>In a conflicting statement, Vladimir Rogov, a Moscow-installed official in the Russian-controlled part of Zaporizhzhia in southern Ukraine, said that four Russian aircraft had been shot out of the sky: two MI-8 helicopters, an SU-35 fighter jet and an SU-34 fighter bomber.</p>

<p>Lukashenko has been in power in Belarus since 1994. He had last been seen in public on Tuesday in Moscow at the time of Victory Day celebrations.</p>

<p>He skipped a lunch hosted by his ally President Vladimir Putin as well as several other events last week.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belarus-lukashenko-skips-major-national-event-sparking-health-rumours-592550">Belarus President Lukashenko skips major national event, sparking health rumours</a></strong></p>

<p>Belarus opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, who fled to neighbouring Lithuania after 2020 mass protests against Lukashenko, took to Twitter to tell Belarusians they should be ready for any event.</p>

<p>"For us, it means only one thing: we should be well prepared for every scenario," she said.</p>

<p>"To turn Belarus on the path to democracy and prevent Russia from interfering," she added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We need the international community to be proactive and fast."</p>

<p>Lukashenko's spokespeople did not comment on his absence from public life.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Belarus president Alexander Lukashenko re-appeared in public on Monday (May 15) after nearly a week-long absence sparking reports of health concerns. Lukashenko said that Belarus had been put on high alert, adding that four aircrafts had reportedly been shot out of the sky in southern Russia.

Belarus president Alexander Lukashenko re-appeared in public on Monday (May 15) after nearly a week-long absence sparking reports of health concerns. Lukashenko said that Belarus had been put on high alert, adding that four aircrafts had reportedly been shot out of the sky in southern Russia. Lukashenko, 68, visited the ex-Soviet country's air force central command. He looked grim, wore a military uniform and had a bandage on his hand. Lukashenko said Belarus put forces on alert for three days following the incident in a southern Russian region on the border with Ukraine. "Three days have passed after the events near us, I mean in the region of Bryansk where four aircraft were shot down", Lukashenko said without providing further details. "We had to react," he said. Russian social media was rife on Saturday with footage of several Russian aircrafts crashing in Bryansk region. On video apparently showed a helicopter being hit and catching fire. While the Russian defence ministry did not comment, Alexander Bogomaz, the governor of the Bryansk region, said a helicopter crashed in the town of Klintsy. In a conflicting statement, Vladimir Rogov, a Moscow-installed official in the Russian-controlled part of Zaporizhzhia in southern Ukraine, said that four Russian aircraft had been shot out of the sky: two MI-8 helicopters, an SU-35 fighter jet and an SU-34 fighter bomber. Lukashenko has been in power in Belarus since 1994. He had last been seen in public on Tuesday in Moscow at the time of Victory Day celebrations. He skipped a lunch hosted by his ally President Vladimir Putin as well as several other events last week. Also Read | Belarus President Lukashenko skips major national event, sparking health rumours Belarus opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, who fled to neighbouring Lithuania after 2020 mass protests against Lukashenko, took to Twitter to tell Belarusians they should be ready for any event. "For us, it means only one thing: we should be well prepared for every scenario," she said. "To turn Belarus on the path to democracy and prevent Russia from interfering," she added. "We need the international community to be proactive and fast." Lukashenko's spokespeople did not comment on his absence from public life. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Lukashenko reappears in public, says Belarus on high alert

<p>Rumours about Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko's health are rife after he skipped the country's major national celebration. Lukashenko, 68, usually speaks at National Flag, Emblem and Anthem Day but on Sunday, Belarus Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko read a message on his behalf.</p>

<p>Last week, Lukashenko left Russia soon after Victory Day parade in Moscow. He skipped a lunch with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Media reports say that during his Russia visit, Lukashenko looked visibly tired and that his right hand was in a bandage.</p>

<p>Lukashenko's last public appearance was when he laid flowers in Belarus capital Minsk during the country's own Victory Day celebrations (May 9). He attended the ceremony just a few hours after returning from Moscow.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Russia air strikes kills nine in eastern Ukraine; Belarus volunteers fight against Russia</strong></p>

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<p>BBC quoted a Telegram channel which said that Lukashenko visited a presidential medical centre outside Minsk on Saturday.</p>

<p>Reuters said Lukashenko's office declined to comment.</p>

<p>A Russian online publication, Podyom, quoted a senior member of the Duma lower house of parliament, Konstantin Zatulin, as saying that "(Lukashenko) has simply fallen ill ... and probably needs a rest."</p>

<p>Russia's daily Kommersant also published a story about Lukashenko's health, citing Zatulin and Belarusian opposition media. Russian media rarely publish stories about the health of the leaders of Russia or its allied neighbours.</p>

<p>Lukashenko has been at the helm in Belarus since 1994. He is often referred to as the last dictator of Europe. His regime has suppressed dissent.</p>

<p>He was declared winner of the presidential elections in 2020. But the opposition had denounced the results as a sham.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Protests erupted across Belarus against result of that election. The state responded with a brutal crackdown.</p>

<p>Lukashenko found a strong backing from Russia and managed to stay in power.</p>

<p>He, in turn, supported Russia's invasion of Ukraine. He even offered Belarus as a launchpad for the invasion. He allowed Russian warplanes to carry out strikes from Belarus.</p>

<p>Belarus' Foreign Minister Sergei Aleinik is expected on Monday to start this three-day visit to Moscow, Russia's foreign ministry said last week.</p>

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Rumours about Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko's health are rife after he skipped the country's major national celebration. Lukashenko, 68, usually speaks at National Flag, Emblem and Anthem Day but on Sunday, Belarus Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko read a message on his behalf.

Rumours about Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko's health are rife after he skipped the country's major national celebration. Lukashenko, 68, usually speaks at National Flag, Emblem and Anthem Day but on Sunday, Belarus Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko read a message on his behalf. Last week, Lukashenko left Russia soon after Victory Day parade in Moscow. He skipped a lunch with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Media reports say that during his Russia visit, Lukashenko looked visibly tired and that his right hand was in a bandage. Lukashenko's last public appearance was when he laid flowers in Belarus capital Minsk during the country's own Victory Day celebrations (May 9). He attended the ceremony just a few hours after returning from Moscow. Watch | Russia air strikes kills nine in eastern Ukraine; Belarus volunteers fight against Russia × BBC quoted a Telegram channel which said that Lukashenko visited a presidential medical centre outside Minsk on Saturday. Reuters said Lukashenko's office declined to comment. A Russian online publication, Podyom, quoted a senior member of the Duma lower house of parliament, Konstantin Zatulin, as saying that "(Lukashenko) has simply fallen ill ... and probably needs a rest." Russia's daily Kommersant also published a story about Lukashenko's health, citing Zatulin and Belarusian opposition media. Russian media rarely publish stories about the health of the leaders of Russia or its allied neighbours. Lukashenko has been at the helm in Belarus since 1994. He is often referred to as the last dictator of Europe. His regime has suppressed dissent. He was declared winner of the presidential elections in 2020. But the opposition had denounced the results as a sham. Protests erupted across Belarus against result of that election. The state responded with a brutal crackdown. Lukashenko found a strong backing from Russia and managed to stay in power. He, in turn, supported Russia's invasion of Ukraine. He even offered Belarus as a launchpad for the invasion. He allowed Russian warplanes to carry out strikes from Belarus. Belarus' Foreign Minister Sergei Aleinik is expected on Monday to start this three-day visit to Moscow, Russia's foreign ministry said last week. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Belarus President Lukashenko skips major national event, sparking health rumours

The Russian Ministry of Defence has said that Ukrainian aircraft struck two industrial sites in the Russian-held city of Luhansk in eastern Ukraine with Storm Shadow long-range cruise missiles supplied by the United Kingdom.

Ukraine used British missiles to attack Luhansk: Moscow

Ukraine says it downed a Russian hypersonic missile over the capital Kyiv using a newly acquired US Patriot defence system in what would be a first in its ability to intercept one of Moscow’s most modern weapons.

Ukraine downs Russian hypersonic missile with US Patriot system

<p>Dissident Belarusian journalist Raman Pratasevich, who was arrested after being pulled off a commercial flight in 2021, was sentenced to eight years in prison on Wednesday (May 3). According to a report by the news agency Associated Press, Pratasevich ran Nexta, a Telegram messaging app channel that was widely used by participants in mass protests against the disputed 2020 election that gave Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko a sixth term in office. Pratasevich was charged with organising unrest and plotting to seize power.</p>

<p>Nexta is one of the most well-known opposition outlets in the country. Together with its sister channel, Nexta Live, it has 1.4 million followers.</p>

<p>In May 2021, Belarusian flight controllers ordered a Ryanair flight travelling from Greece to Lithuania to land in Belarus' capital city Minsk, telling the crew there was a bomb threat against the flight. Authorities found no explosives on board once the aircraft landed, but Pratasevich-&nbsp;a Belarusian citizen who lived in exile at the time-&nbsp;was arrested.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-survives-assassination-attempt-as-ukrainian-drones-attack-kremlin-588542">Putin survives assassination attempt as Ukrainian drones attack Kremlin, claims Russia</a></strong></p>

<p>His girlfriend, Sofia Sapega, who is a Russian, was also arrested. Following the two arrests, the aircraft was allowed to continue to its original destination. Western countries condemned Raman Pratasevich’s dramatic arrest and imposed a raft of sanctions and barred their aircraft from flying over Belarus.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Following his arrest, Pratasevich appeared on Belarusian television several times to confess, denounce the opposition and apologise to President Lukashenko. Critics said that the journalist's appearances were made under duress.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pratasevich and his girlfriend Sapega were released from custody and put under house arrest. In May last year, Sapega was convicted and sentenced to six years in prison. A message on a Telegram channel billed as belonging to Pratasevich sought to distance him from his girlfriend — saying they had separated long before and that he was married to someone else.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, it could not be verified whether the post was freely written by Pratasevich or any of the claims it, the Associated Press reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sapega, meanwhile, petitioned Russian authorities to extradite her to Russia to serve out the remainder of her sentence. Belarus agreed but it was not yet clear when this would happen.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em><strong>(With inputs from agencies)</strong></em></p>

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Dissident Belarusian journalist Raman Pratasevich, who was arrested after being pulled off a commercial flight in 2021, was sentenced to eight years in prison on Wednesday (May 3).

Dissident Belarusian journalist Raman Pratasevich, who was arrested after being pulled off a commercial flight in 2021, was sentenced to eight years in prison on Wednesday (May 3). According to a report by the news agency Associated Press, Pratasevich ran Nexta, a Telegram messaging app channel that was widely used by participants in mass protests against the disputed 2020 election that gave Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko a sixth term in office. Pratasevich was charged with organising unrest and plotting to seize power. Nexta is one of the most well-known opposition outlets in the country. Together with its sister channel, Nexta Live, it has 1.4 million followers. In May 2021, Belarusian flight controllers ordered a Ryanair flight travelling from Greece to Lithuania to land in Belarus' capital city Minsk, telling the crew there was a bomb threat against the flight. Authorities found no explosives on board once the aircraft landed, but Pratasevich- a Belarusian citizen who lived in exile at the time- was arrested. ALSO READ | Putin survives assassination attempt as Ukrainian drones attack Kremlin, claims Russia His girlfriend, Sofia Sapega, who is a Russian, was also arrested. Following the two arrests, the aircraft was allowed to continue to its original destination. Western countries condemned Raman Pratasevich’s dramatic arrest and imposed a raft of sanctions and barred their aircraft from flying over Belarus. Following his arrest, Pratasevich appeared on Belarusian television several times to confess, denounce the opposition and apologise to President Lukashenko. Critics said that the journalist's appearances were made under duress. Pratasevich and his girlfriend Sapega were released from custody and put under house arrest. In May last year, Sapega was convicted and sentenced to six years in prison. A message on a Telegram channel billed as belonging to Pratasevich sought to distance him from his girlfriend — saying they had separated long before and that he was married to someone else. However, it could not be verified whether the post was freely written by Pratasevich or any of the claims it, the Associated Press reported. Sapega, meanwhile, petitioned Russian authorities to extradite her to Russia to serve out the remainder of her sentence. Belarus agreed but it was not yet clear when this would happen. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Dissident Belarusian journalist pulled off plane by Minsk gets 8 years in prison

Nine people, including a toddler, were killed by a Russian missile strike in eastern Ukraine, according to government sources. Seven missiles were fired. This comes after a British military assessment that indicated Ukrainian troops had been forced to retreat from some of the city of Bakhmut.

Russia air strikes kills nine in eastern Ukraine; Belarus volunteers fight against Russia

<p>Russian envoy to Belarus said on Sunday (April 2) that Russia will place its tactical nuclear weapons close to western borders of Belarus. Such a move is likely to escalate Moscow's standoff with the West as the nukes would be stationed at NASA's threshold. Russian President Vladimir Putin has already declared (March 26) that Russia would station tactical weapons in Belarus.</p>

<p>Russia and Belarus, the two Slav neighbours, are formally part of a "union state". Talks between the two countries have gone on for years for deeper integration. The process has gained pace after Belarus allowed Russian troops to enter Ukraine's territory last year.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Russia to place nuclear weapons near Belarus' border with NATO</strong></p>

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<p>The weapons "will be moved to the western border of our union state and will increase the possibilities to ensure security," Russian ambassador to Belarus, Boris Gryzlov, told Belarusian state television.</p>

<p>"This will be done despite the noise in Europe and the United States."</p>

<p>The Russian envoy didn't fully specify where the weapons will be stationed. He, however, confirmed that a storage facility will be completed by July 1. It will then be moves to the West of Belarus.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/finland-set-to-become-31st-nato-member-on-tuesday-secretary-general-stoltenberg-says-578596">Finland set to become 31st NATO member on Tuesday, Secretary General Stoltenberg says</a></strong><br />
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Belarus borders to the north with Lithuania and Latvia and to west with Poland, all part of NATO's Eastern flank that has been bolstered with additional troops and military equipment following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>

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Russian envoy to Belarus said on Sunday (April 2) that Russia will place its tactical nuclear weapons close to western borders of Belarus. Such a move is likely to escalate Moscow's standoff with the West as the nukes would be stationed at NASA's threshold.

Russian envoy to Belarus said on Sunday (April 2) that Russia will place its tactical nuclear weapons close to western borders of Belarus. Such a move is likely to escalate Moscow's standoff with the West as the nukes would be stationed at NASA's threshold. Russian President Vladimir Putin has already declared (March 26) that Russia would station tactical weapons in Belarus. Russia and Belarus, the two Slav neighbours, are formally part of a "union state". Talks between the two countries have gone on for years for deeper integration. The process has gained pace after Belarus allowed Russian troops to enter Ukraine's territory last year. Watch | Russia to place nuclear weapons near Belarus' border with NATO × The weapons "will be moved to the western border of our union state and will increase the possibilities to ensure security," Russian ambassador to Belarus, Boris Gryzlov, told Belarusian state television. "This will be done despite the noise in Europe and the United States." The Russian envoy didn't fully specify where the weapons will be stationed. He, however, confirmed that a storage facility will be completed by July 1. It will then be moves to the West of Belarus. Also Read | Finland set to become 31st NATO member on Tuesday, Secretary General Stoltenberg says Belarus borders to the north with Lithuania and Latvia and to west with Poland, all part of NATO's Eastern flank that has been bolstered with additional troops and military equipment following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Russia to place tactical nukes near Belarus border with NATO countries: Envoy

After 13 months into the Russia-Ukraine war, Russia's neighbour and ally Belarus called for an immediate ceasefire calling for negotiations to begin.

Belarus says fighting in Ukraine should stop immediately

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