Russia hit back at US President Joe Biden who raised concerns against Moscow’s move to deploy tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, saying that Washington doesn’t have a stand on the issue as it has been doing the same in Europe.

The Russian Embassy in the US termed Washington’s concerns about Moscow’s planned deployment as “hypocritical”, saying that “before blaming others, Washington could use some introspection”.

“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.”

It said that it was 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,” it said in a statement.

“The measures we undertake are fully consistent with our international legal obligations.”

<h2>Gravitas | Russia-Ukraine War: Nuclear weapons reach Belarus. Should you be worried?</h2>

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The retort from Russia came after Biden, through a statement from the US State Department, expressed apprehension over reports that Russia has moved ahead with a plan to deploy tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus.

<h2>Has US deployed nukes in Europe?</h2>

According to reports, the United States has deployed nuclear weapons in Western Europe since US President Dwight D Eisenhower authorised their deployment in the Cold War as a counter to the perceived threat from the Soviet Union. The first US&nbsp;nuclear weapons in Europe were deployed in Britain in 1954.

Much of the detail about the current US deployment is classified, reports Reuters news agency, though the Federation of American Scientists says that the US has 100 B61 tactical nuclear weapons deployed in Europe – in Italy, Germany, Turkey, Belgium and the Netherlands.

<h2>Move&nbsp;comes in wake of imminent Ukraine’s counteroffensive </h2>

On Thursday, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko announced that the weapons were already on the move. This is the first time since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991 that Russia is deploying nukes to its neighbouring country.

Tactical nuclear weapons are intended to destroy enemy troops and weapons on the battlefield. They have a relatively short range and a much lower yield than nuclear warheads fitted to long-range strategic missiles that are capable of obliterating whole cities

It is unclear how many nuclear weapons would be kept in Belarus. The U.S. government believes Russia has around 2,000 tactical nuclear weapons, including bombs that can be carried by aircraft, warheads for short-range missiles and artillery rounds.

The development comes as Ukraine said it is preparing to launch a counteroffensive against Russia. President Volodymyr Zelensky recently visited several European countries, including France and UK, to seek more arms to help bolsters its armoury.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Russia hit back at US President Joe Biden who raised concerns against Moscow’s move to deploy tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, saying that Washington doesn’t have a stand on the issue as it has been doing the same in Europe.

Russia hit back at US President Joe Biden who raised concerns against Moscow’s move to deploy tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, saying that Washington doesn’t have a stand on the issue as it has been doing the same in Europe. The Russian Embassy in the US termed Washington’s concerns about Moscow’s planned deployment as “hypocritical”, saying that “before blaming others, Washington could use some introspection”. “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.” It said that it was 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,” it said in a statement. “The measures we undertake are fully consistent with our international legal obligations.” Gravitas | Russia-Ukraine War: Nuclear weapons reach Belarus. Should you be worried? The retort from Russia came after Biden, through a statement from the US State Department, expressed apprehension over reports that Russia has moved ahead with a plan to deploy tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus. Has US deployed nukes in Europe? According to reports, the United States has deployed nuclear weapons in Western Europe since US President Dwight D Eisenhower authorised their deployment in the Cold War as a counter to the perceived threat from the Soviet Union. The first US nuclear weapons in Europe were deployed in Britain in 1954. Much of the detail about the current US deployment is classified, reports Reuters news agency, though the Federation of American Scientists says that the US has 100 B61 tactical nuclear weapons deployed in Europe – in Italy, Germany, Turkey, Belgium and the Netherlands. Move comes in wake of imminent Ukraine’s counteroffensive On Thursday, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko announced that the weapons were already on the move. This is the first time since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991 that Russia is deploying nukes to its neighbouring country. Tactical nuclear weapons are intended to destroy enemy troops and weapons on the battlefield. They have a relatively short range and a much lower yield than nuclear warheads fitted to long-range strategic missiles that are capable of obliterating whole cities It is unclear how many nuclear weapons would be kept in Belarus. The U.S. government believes Russia has around 2,000 tactical nuclear weapons, including bombs that can be carried by aircraft, warheads for short-range missiles and artillery rounds. The development comes as Ukraine said it is preparing to launch a counteroffensive against Russia. President Volodymyr Zelensky recently visited several European countries, including France and UK, to seek more arms to help bolsters its armoury. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

'Don't lecture us': Russia hits back at Biden over planned tactical nuke deployment in Belarus

The International Olympic Committee's (IOC) recommendation to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to return to international competition as neutrals is "confusing" because Ukraine is still under attack,&nbsp;tennis&nbsp;world number one Iga Swiatek said.

The IOC sanctioned Russia and Belarus after Moscow launched the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 but is now eager to see athletes come back across all sports and have a chance to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics. Russia says it is prosecuting a "special military operation" in Ukraine. Russian and Belarusian&nbsp;tennis&nbsp;players have been competing on the tours and at the other Grand Slams as neutrals since March last year.

"Right now the situation is pretty complicated because at the beginning of the war there weren't many decisions one way. At first they (Russian and Belarusian athletes) were kind of banned in other sports, not in&nbsp;tennis," Swiatek told reporters on Thursday. "Then it changed a little bit and they are starting to be allowed, which is pretty confusing because I feel nothing changed in Ukraine and the cities are still under attack. "Many Ukrainian athletes are fighting in the war and losing their lives. It's heartbreaking."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-approves-transgender-athlete-ban-for-girls-and-womens-teams-584651">US House approves transgender athlete ban for girls and women's teams</a>

Poland's Swiatek, who wears a Ukrainian flag on her cap during matches, has previously said&nbsp;tennis&nbsp;missed an opportunity to send a strong message to Moscow by failing to impose a blanket ban on players from Russia and its ally Belarus. "I just hope no matter what the decisions is going to be, the sport will be able to kind of put people together and not separate them," Swiatek added.

"But there are tensions, so it may be tricky and hard to do, but you know me as just one athlete, I don't have full influence on what's going on, so we kind of have to just compete (at) our best no matter what the circumstances are."

The International Olympic Committee's (IOC) recommendation to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to return to international competition as neutrals is "confusing" because Ukraine is still under attack, tennis world number one Iga Swiatek said.

The International Olympic Committee's (IOC) recommendation to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to return to international competition as neutrals is "confusing" because Ukraine is still under attack, tennis world number one Iga Swiatek said. The IOC sanctioned Russia and Belarus after Moscow launched the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 but is now eager to see athletes come back across all sports and have a chance to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics. Russia says it is prosecuting a "special military operation" in Ukraine. Russian and Belarusian tennis players have been competing on the tours and at the other Grand Slams as neutrals since March last year. "Right now the situation is pretty complicated because at the beginning of the war there weren't many decisions one way. At first they (Russian and Belarusian athletes) were kind of banned in other sports, not in tennis," Swiatek told reporters on Thursday. "Then it changed a little bit and they are starting to be allowed, which is pretty confusing because I feel nothing changed in Ukraine and the cities are still under attack. "Many Ukrainian athletes are fighting in the war and losing their lives. It's heartbreaking." Also read: US House approves transgender athlete ban for girls and women's teams Poland's Swiatek, who wears a Ukrainian flag on her cap during matches, has previously said tennis missed an opportunity to send a strong message to Moscow by failing to impose a blanket ban on players from Russia and its ally Belarus. "I just hope no matter what the decisions is going to be, the sport will be able to kind of put people together and not separate them," Swiatek added. "But there are tensions, so it may be tricky and hard to do, but you know me as just one athlete, I don't have full influence on what's going on, so we kind of have to just compete (at) our best no matter what the circumstances are."

Paris Olympics: IOC stance on Russians, Belarusians 'confusing', says No. 1 ranked Iga Swiatek

A fencing World Cup event in Poland has been cancelled by the local federation after the sport's international governing body rejected a proposal to make Russian and Belarusian athletes sign a statement opposing the invasion of Ukraine.

The Polish fencing federation (PZS) cancelled the women's foil World Cup scheduled for April 21-23 in Poznan after the international fencing federation (FIE) reversed a ban on athletes from Russia and its ally Belarus at last month's extraordinary congress.

"We wanted all players and collaborators who were going to come to our World Cup to sign a statement that they oppose the regime of Vladimir Putin," PZS general secretary Jacek Slupski told Reuters on Friday. "That they oppose the aggression of Russia and Belarus against Ukraine and they are not current professional soldiers nor do they work in any other security organs of either of these countries.

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"Unfortunately, the International Fencing Federation has rejected our internal procedures, it did not allow any internal procedures to be used, only to comply with the procedures set by the world federation. This is unacceptable to us." The FIE decision prompted Ukraine's fencing federation (NFFU) to say it would boycott all events in which Russians and Belarusians were included, while hundreds of fencers publicly opposed the FIE's decision in an open letter.

Organisers in Germany and Denmark have also cancelled FIE events. Slupski said they may appeal the FIE Congress's decision in the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and have received support from other countries.

"We received a lot of warm words and congratulations... from many Western countries, that our attitude was very brave ... and that they join our official, tough position," Slupski said. "These are mainly Scandinavian countries Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark. We await confirmation from Germany, France. I think Spain, Portugal. "We do not rule out a joint lawsuit to the court (CAS) in Lausanne and an appeal against the decision of the FIE Congress."

A fencing World Cup event in Poland has been cancelled by the local federation after the sport's international governing body rejected a proposal to make Russian and Belarusian athletes sign a statement opposing the invasion of Ukraine.

A fencing World Cup event in Poland has been cancelled by the local federation after the sport's international governing body rejected a proposal to make Russian and Belarusian athletes sign a statement opposing the invasion of Ukraine. The Polish fencing federation (PZS) cancelled the women's foil World Cup scheduled for April 21-23 in Poznan after the international fencing federation (FIE) reversed a ban on athletes from Russia and its ally Belarus at last month's extraordinary congress. "We wanted all players and collaborators who were going to come to our World Cup to sign a statement that they oppose the regime of Vladimir Putin," PZS general secretary Jacek Slupski told Reuters on Friday. "That they oppose the aggression of Russia and Belarus against Ukraine and they are not current professional soldiers nor do they work in any other security organs of either of these countries. Also read: WWE: Tension likely to rise within The Bloodline on upcoming SmackDown episode "Unfortunately, the International Fencing Federation has rejected our internal procedures, it did not allow any internal procedures to be used, only to comply with the procedures set by the world federation. This is unacceptable to us." The FIE decision prompted Ukraine's fencing federation (NFFU) to say it would boycott all events in which Russians and Belarusians were included, while hundreds of fencers publicly opposed the FIE's decision in an open letter. Organisers in Germany and Denmark have also cancelled FIE events. Slupski said they may appeal the FIE Congress's decision in the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and have received support from other countries. "We received a lot of warm words and congratulations... from many Western countries, that our attitude was very brave ... and that they join our official, tough position," Slupski said. "These are mainly Scandinavian countries Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark. We await confirmation from Germany, France. I think Spain, Portugal. "We do not rule out a joint lawsuit to the court (CAS) in Lausanne and an appeal against the decision of the FIE Congress."

Fencing: World Cup event cancelled as federation turns down proposal on Russian athletes

Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus reached the fourth round at Indian Wells by walkover on Sunday as Ukrainian qualifier Lesia Tsurenko pulled out of their scheduled match. Organisers said Tsurenko cited "personal reasons" for yet another withdrawal.

No further details were given, and there was no indication that the Russian invasion of Ukraine last year -- which has resulted in Russian and Belarusian tennis players from being barred from competing under their national flags -- was a factor. Indeed, Tsurenko has now lost by retirement or walkover in nine of her 18 tournaments dating back to Indian Wells last year.

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She gave up a semi-final walkover at Canberra this year and gave up quarter-final walkovers at Eastbourne and Portoroz, Slovenia, last year. Sabalenka, whose first Grand Slam title in Melbourne was part of a perfect 13-0 start to the year that ended in the quarter-finals at Dubai, had breezed into the third round with a 6-2, 6-0 victory over Evgeniya Rodina.

She next faces former French Open winner Barbora Krejcikova, who ousted China's Wang Xinyu 6-2, 6-7 (1/7), 6-2. Krejcikova beat the top three players in the world on the way to the title in Dubai last month, climbing 14 places in the WTA rankings to 16th.

Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus reached the fourth round at Indian Wells by walkover on Sunday as Ukrainian qualifier Lesia Tsurenko pulled out of their scheduled match.

Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus reached the fourth round at Indian Wells by walkover on Sunday as Ukrainian qualifier Lesia Tsurenko pulled out of their scheduled match. Organisers said Tsurenko cited "personal reasons" for yet another withdrawal. No further details were given, and there was no indication that the Russian invasion of Ukraine last year -- which has resulted in Russian and Belarusian tennis players from being barred from competing under their national flags -- was a factor. Indeed, Tsurenko has now lost by retirement or walkover in nine of her 18 tournaments dating back to Indian Wells last year. Also Read: Australia's Wade Ormsby wins fourth Asian Tour title with International Series Thailand victory She gave up a semi-final walkover at Canberra this year and gave up quarter-final walkovers at Eastbourne and Portoroz, Slovenia, last year. Sabalenka, whose first Grand Slam title in Melbourne was part of a perfect 13-0 start to the year that ended in the quarter-finals at Dubai, had breezed into the third round with a 6-2, 6-0 victory over Evgeniya Rodina. She next faces former French Open winner Barbora Krejcikova, who ousted China's Wang Xinyu 6-2, 6-7 (1/7), 6-2. Krejcikova beat the top three players in the world on the way to the title in Dubai last month, climbing 14 places in the WTA rankings to 16th.

Ukraine's Lesia Tsurenko withdraws from match vs Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka citing 'personal reasons'

The head of a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-demand-new-constitution-for-afghanistan-at-rare-talks-195428">Taliban delegation</a> visiting Moscow said on Tuesday that Afghanistan peace talks with the United States last month had been a success, the Interfax news agency reported.

The United States held peace negotiations with the Taliban in Qatar that ended with signs of progress towards the withdrawal of thousands of foreign troops from Afghanistan and an end to more than 17 years of war.

The head of the delegation, who is in Russia for talks between Taliban militants and opposition politicians, was quoted as saying no agreement had been reached with Washington on a timeframe for a troop pullout, but that he hoped it would happen soon.

A top US general said that talks between the United States and Taliban were in their "very, very early" stages and the Afghan government, so far excluded from talks, would have to be part of the solution.

"I would characterize where we are in the process as very, very early in the process," US General Joseph Votel, head of the US military's Central Command, told a Senate hearing.

"We clearly recognize that they (Afghan government) have to be a part of this solution and must be in the negotiation aspects of this, we can't do that on their behalf."

Votel also said that the United States would need to continue to support Afghan security forces financially even if US troops withdrew from Afghanistan.

The head of a Taliban delegation visiting Moscow said on Tuesday that Afghanistan peace talks with the United States last month had been a success, the Interfax news agency reported.

The head of a Taliban delegation visiting Moscow said on Tuesday that Afghanistan peace talks with the United States last month had been a success, the Interfax news agency reported. The United States held peace negotiations with the Taliban in Qatar that ended with signs of progress towards the withdrawal of thousands of foreign troops from Afghanistan and an end to more than 17 years of war. The head of the delegation, who is in Russia for talks between Taliban militants and opposition politicians, was quoted as saying no agreement had been reached with Washington on a timeframe for a troop pullout, but that he hoped it would happen soon. A top US general said that talks between the United States and Taliban were in their "very, very early" stages and the Afghan government, so far excluded from talks, would have to be part of the solution. "I would characterize where we are in the process as very, very early in the process," US General Joseph Votel, head of the US military's Central Command, told a Senate hearing. "We clearly recognize that they (Afghan government) have to be a part of this solution and must be in the negotiation aspects of this, we can't do that on their behalf." Votel also said that the United States would need to continue to support Afghan security forces financially even if US troops withdrew from Afghanistan.

Morning Brief: Russia conducts joint air drills with Belarus, China's population falls drastically, and more

The first batch of Russian forces to take part in the “joint grouping” announced by President Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko have arrived, the defence ministry in Minsk said.

According to the Defence Ministry's international military cooperation department, Valery Revenko, just under 9,000 troops have been deployed to protect the Belarusian border as part of a "regional grouping" of forces, reports Reuters news agency.

The move comes a week after Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, who is a close ally of President Vladimir Putin, said that his troops would be deployed alongside Russian forces near the Ukrainian border as part of a “joint grouping”, claiming that Kyiv was planning to attack his country.

He had accused Poland, Lithuania and Ukraine of training Belarusian radicals "to carry out sabotage, terrorist attacks and to organise a military mutiny in the country".

Taking to Twitter, the head of the Defence Ministry's international military cooperation department, Valery Revenko, said, “The first troop trains with Russian servicemen who are part of the (regional grouping) began to arrive in Belarus.”

He said "the relocation will take several days," and involve "a little less than 9,000 people."

He has not provided further information on the deployment but added that they will brief about more developments in the upcoming days.

Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky raked up the issue at a G7 meeting on Tuesday, where he accused Russia of "trying to directly draw Belarus into this war".

He called for an international observers mission to be placed on the Ukraine-Belarus border.

But Belarus clarified that the contingent deployment was a "purely defensive" move.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The first batch of Russian forces to take part in the “joint grouping” announced by President Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko have arrived, the defence ministry in Minsk said.

The first batch of Russian forces to take part in the “joint grouping” announced by President Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko have arrived, the defence ministry in Minsk said. According to the Defence Ministry's international military cooperation department, Valery Revenko, just under 9,000 troops have been deployed to protect the Belarusian border as part of a "regional grouping" of forces, reports Reuters news agency. The move comes a week after Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, who is a close ally of President Vladimir Putin, said that his troops would be deployed alongside Russian forces near the Ukrainian border as part of a “joint grouping”, claiming that Kyiv was planning to attack his country. He had accused Poland, Lithuania and Ukraine of training Belarusian radicals "to carry out sabotage, terrorist attacks and to organise a military mutiny in the country". Taking to Twitter, the head of the Defence Ministry's international military cooperation department, Valery Revenko, said, “The first troop trains with Russian servicemen who are part of the (regional grouping) began to arrive in Belarus.” He said "the relocation will take several days," and involve "a little less than 9,000 people." He has not provided further information on the deployment but added that they will brief about more developments in the upcoming days. Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky raked up the issue at a G7 meeting on Tuesday, where he accused Russia of "trying to directly draw Belarus into this war". He called for an international observers mission to be placed on the Ukraine-Belarus border. But Belarus clarified that the contingent deployment was a "purely defensive" move. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

‘Just under’ 9,000 Russian troops stationed at Belarusian border: Defence ministry

The Russian-led International Boxing Association (IBA) said on Wednesday it would reverse a ban on amateur boxers from Russia and Belarus and allow them to compete with national flags and anthems in events with immediate effect. The world governing body, which is at odds with Olympic organisers, said its board of directors had voted in favour of the change. Russian energy company Gazprom is the biggest sponsor of the&nbsp;IBA, formerly known as AIBA.

"The&nbsp;IBA&nbsp;strongly believes that politics shouldn’t have any influence on sports. Hence, all athletes should be given equal conditions," the statement said. "IBA&nbsp;calls for peace and remains a peacemaker in any conflicts. Moreover, the&nbsp;IBA&nbsp;has obligation to ensure equal treatment towards the athletes and competition officials, regardless of their nationality and residence.

"Both Russian and Belarus teams will be able to perform under their flags, and the national anthems will be played in case they win a gold medal. "According to the decision, the technical officials of Russia and Belarus will also be back in the competitions."

Both countries have been barred since March from the&nbsp;IBA's international competitions, following Russia's February invasion of Ukraine. The&nbsp;IBA, led by Russian businessman Umar Kremlev, last month suspended Ukraine ahead of a meeting that voted against a fresh presidential election. That followed a Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruling that Dutch federation president Boris van der Vorst was wrongly prevented from standing against Kremlev in May.

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The&nbsp;IBA&nbsp;does not recognise Kyrylo Shevchenko as president of the Ukrainian federation but instead considers its head to be Volodymyr Prodyvus, a Kremlev ally who left Ukraine in February. Kremlev was quoted last week as saying the time had come for athletes from Russia and ally Belarus to be allowed to compete under their own flags.

The IOC has taken away from the&nbsp;IBA&nbsp;the qualification tournaments and competitions at the Paris 2024 Olympics after also stripping the body of involvement in last year's Tokyo Games due to governance, finance, refereeing and ethical issues. Boxing has also not been included in the initial programme for the 2028 Los Angeles Games. Van der Vorst said the&nbsp;IBA's latest decision separated the boxing body further from the Olympic movement and "does not consider the interests of the world boxing community."

"Contrary to the&nbsp;IBA&nbsp;messages, this decision is an enforcement of the Russian government’s geopolitical agenda on the sport of boxing," he added in a statement. "It is clear that&nbsp;IBA&nbsp;is held hostage by its Russian leadership and they are determined to keep the governing body under their control at any cost."

The Russian-led International Boxing Association (IBA) said on Wednesday it would reverse a ban on amateur boxers from Russia and Belarus and allow them to compete with national flags and anthems in events with immediate effect.

The Russian-led International Boxing Association (IBA) said on Wednesday it would reverse a ban on amateur boxers from Russia and Belarus and allow them to compete with national flags and anthems in events with immediate effect. The world governing body, which is at odds with Olympic organisers, said its board of directors had voted in favour of the change. Russian energy company Gazprom is the biggest sponsor of the IBA, formerly known as AIBA. "The IBA strongly believes that politics shouldn’t have any influence on sports. Hence, all athletes should be given equal conditions," the statement said. "IBA calls for peace and remains a peacemaker in any conflicts. Moreover, the IBA has obligation to ensure equal treatment towards the athletes and competition officials, regardless of their nationality and residence. "Both Russian and Belarus teams will be able to perform under their flags, and the national anthems will be played in case they win a gold medal. "According to the decision, the technical officials of Russia and Belarus will also be back in the competitions." Both countries have been barred since March from the IBA's international competitions, following Russia's February invasion of Ukraine. The IBA, led by Russian businessman Umar Kremlev, last month suspended Ukraine ahead of a meeting that voted against a fresh presidential election. That followed a Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruling that Dutch federation president Boris van der Vorst was wrongly prevented from standing against Kremlev in May. ALSO READ | Olympian Sushil Kumar to face murder trial for junior wrestler's death The IBA does not recognise Kyrylo Shevchenko as president of the Ukrainian federation but instead considers its head to be Volodymyr Prodyvus, a Kremlev ally who left Ukraine in February. Kremlev was quoted last week as saying the time had come for athletes from Russia and ally Belarus to be allowed to compete under their own flags. The IOC has taken away from the IBA the qualification tournaments and competitions at the Paris 2024 Olympics after also stripping the body of involvement in last year's Tokyo Games due to governance, finance, refereeing and ethical issues. Boxing has also not been included in the initial programme for the 2028 Los Angeles Games. Van der Vorst said the IBA's latest decision separated the boxing body further from the Olympic movement and "does not consider the interests of the world boxing community." "Contrary to the IBA messages, this decision is an enforcement of the Russian government’s geopolitical agenda on the sport of boxing," he added in a statement. "It is clear that IBA is held hostage by its Russian leadership and they are determined to keep the governing body under their control at any cost."

IBA gives nod to return of Russian, Belarus boxers with flags and anthems

Banning Russian and Belarusian players from this year`s Wimbledon championships was the only viable option under the guidance provided by the British government, the organisers of the grass court Grand Slam said on Tuesday.

The All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) took the decision in the wake of Russia`s invasion of Ukraine and the stand was swiftly condemned by the men`s and women`s tours. AELTC Chairman Ian Hewitt said the government guidance did not allow players to compete at the tournament based on their rankings and there were two available options -- declining entries, or allowing entries but only with specific written declarations from individual players.

"We believe we have made the most responsible decision possible in the circumstances," Hewitt told reporters, adding that they are in regular discussions with the ATP and the WTA. "And that within the framework of the governance position, there`s no viable alternative to the decision we have taken in this truly exceptional and tragic situation."

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The move is the first time players have been banned on the grounds of nationality since the immediate post-World War Two era when German and Japanese players were excluded. Wimbledon is also the first tennis tournament to ban individual competitors from the two countries, meaning men`s world number two Daniil Medvedev from Russia and women`s fourth-ranked Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus will be banned from the June 27-July 10 tournament.

Tennis governing bodies have banned Russia and Belarus from international team competitions following the invasion, but allowed players from the two countries to continue competing as neutrals. AELTC also confirmed that COVID-19 vaccination will not be mandatory for players at the 2022 tournament, which will allow Serbian world number one Novak Djokovic to defend his title.

Djokovic, a 20-time major champion, was denied a chance to defend his Australian Open title in January due to his unvaccinated status.

Banning Russian and Belarusian players from this year`s Wimbledon championships was the only viable option under the guidance provided by the British government, the organisers of the grass court Grand Slam said on Tuesday.

Banning Russian and Belarusian players from this year`s Wimbledon championships was the only viable option under the guidance provided by the British government, the organisers of the grass court Grand Slam said on Tuesday. The All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) took the decision in the wake of Russia`s invasion of Ukraine and the stand was swiftly condemned by the men`s and women`s tours. AELTC Chairman Ian Hewitt said the government guidance did not allow players to compete at the tournament based on their rankings and there were two available options -- declining entries, or allowing entries but only with specific written declarations from individual players. "We believe we have made the most responsible decision possible in the circumstances," Hewitt told reporters, adding that they are in regular discussions with the ATP and the WTA. "And that within the framework of the governance position, there`s no viable alternative to the decision we have taken in this truly exceptional and tragic situation." ALSO READ | US Open champion Emma Raducanu splits with coach Torben Beltz after five months The move is the first time players have been banned on the grounds of nationality since the immediate post-World War Two era when German and Japanese players were excluded. Wimbledon is also the first tennis tournament to ban individual competitors from the two countries, meaning men`s world number two Daniil Medvedev from Russia and women`s fourth-ranked Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus will be banned from the June 27-July 10 tournament. Tennis governing bodies have banned Russia and Belarus from international team competitions following the invasion, but allowed players from the two countries to continue competing as neutrals. AELTC also confirmed that COVID-19 vaccination will not be mandatory for players at the 2022 tournament, which will allow Serbian world number one Novak Djokovic to defend his title. Djokovic, a 20-time major champion, was denied a chance to defend his Australian Open title in January due to his unvaccinated status.

Wimbledon defends ban on Russian players, confirms Covid vaccination not mandatory for participation

The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) on Wednesday excluded Russia and Belarus from participating and hosting international tournaments until further notice following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The men`s teams of Russia and Belarus have been withdrawn from European qualifiers for the World Cup next year and are not being replaced. Russia has called the invasion a "a special military operation" while Belarus has served as a key staging area.

Russia`s women`s team, who were due to play in the World Cup in Australia this year, have been withdrawn and replaced by Puerto Rico, while the Under-17 women`s team of Russia have been replaced with Serbia for the World Cup in Hungary.

Neither country is allowed to participate in 3X3 competitions this year, including the World Cup. 
Several sports federations have banned Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials, and moved or cancelled events in the countries.

The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) on Wednesday excluded Russia and Belarus from participating and hosting international tournaments until further notice following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) on Wednesday excluded Russia and Belarus from participating and hosting international tournaments until further notice following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The men`s teams of Russia and Belarus have been withdrawn from European qualifiers for the World Cup next year and are not being replaced. Russia has called the invasion a "a special military operation" while Belarus has served as a key staging area. Russia`s women`s team, who were due to play in the World Cup in Australia this year, have been withdrawn and replaced by Puerto Rico, while the Under-17 women`s team of Russia have been replaced with Serbia for the World Cup in Hungary. Neither country is allowed to participate in 3X3 competitions this year, including the World Cup. Several sports federations have banned Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials, and moved or cancelled events in the countries.

International Basketball Federation bans Russia and Belarus from international competitions

The Kremlin said on Tuesday that any suggestion Russia was somehow involved in the forced landing of a commercial flight in Belarus to detain a dissident journalist was not worth responding to and fuelled by anti-Russian sentiment. 
 
Belarus on Sunday scrambled a warplane to escort a Ryanair passenger jet carrying Protasevich, a journalist critical of Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko, in an act denounced by Western powers as "state piracy". 
 
British foreign minister Dominic Raab said on Monday that while the situation was unclear, it was difficult to believe that Russia was not involved, at least by acquiescence, in the jet incident. 
 
Speaking to reporters on a conference call, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed the idea of Russian involvement out of hand. 
 
He said anti-Russian sentiment meant that Moscow was accused of anything and everything these days and that its critics had let their hatred of Russia blind their own analysis. 
 
Peskov added that Moscow hoped that Sofia Sapega, a Russian citizen detained along with Belarusian journalist Roman Protasevich after their flight was diverted to Minsk, would soon be released provided she had not broken any laws. 
 
Aside from Protasevich and Sapega, three other passengers left the plane at Minsk on Sunday. Initial assertions, without evidence, from a Belarusian activist that the three passengers had been Russian passport holders turned out to be false. 
 
One Lithuanian official told Reuters that the three passengers who disembarked at Minsk included two Belarusian citizens and one Greek citizen. 
 
Belarusian state TV on Monday broadcast interviews with the trio.

The Kremlin said on Tuesday that any suggestion Russia was somehow involved in the forced landing of a commercial flight in Belarus to detain a dissident journalist was not worth responding to and fuelled by anti-Russian sentiment.

The Kremlin said on Tuesday that any suggestion Russia was somehow involved in the forced landing of a commercial flight in Belarus to detain a dissident journalist was not worth responding to and fuelled by anti-Russian sentiment. Belarus on Sunday scrambled a warplane to escort a Ryanair passenger jet carrying Protasevich, a journalist critical of Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko, in an act denounced by Western powers as "state piracy". British foreign minister Dominic Raab said on Monday that while the situation was unclear, it was difficult to believe that Russia was not involved, at least by acquiescence, in the jet incident. Speaking to reporters on a conference call, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed the idea of Russian involvement out of hand. He said anti-Russian sentiment meant that Moscow was accused of anything and everything these days and that its critics had let their hatred of Russia blind their own analysis. Peskov added that Moscow hoped that Sofia Sapega, a Russian citizen detained along with Belarusian journalist Roman Protasevich after their flight was diverted to Minsk, would soon be released provided she had not broken any laws. Aside from Protasevich and Sapega, three other passengers left the plane at Minsk on Sunday. Initial assertions, without evidence, from a Belarusian activist that the three passengers had been Russian passport holders turned out to be false. One Lithuanian official told Reuters that the three passengers who disembarked at Minsk included two Belarusian citizens and one Greek citizen. Belarusian state TV on Monday broadcast interviews with the trio.

Kremlin dismisses notion of alleged Russian involvement in Belarus plane incident

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused the&nbsp;West of meddling&nbsp;in Belarus and&nbsp;pledged&nbsp;support to embattled&nbsp;President Lukashenko.

It comes as Lavrov&nbsp;met strongman leader Lukashenko who has faced months of protests over his disputed re-election.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/belarus-over-900-protestors-arrested-by-police-during-anti-government-protest-343511/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Lavrov sent regards from President Vladimir Putin who bestowed a $1.5 billion loan on&nbsp;Belarus&nbsp;earlier in September in a gesture of support for Lukashenko.&nbsp;Russia is a traditional ally of&nbsp;Belarus.

Sergei Lavrov held talks with Lukashenko and other top officials in the capital Minsk, in the latest show of Russia's support for authorities in its ex-Soviet neighbour.

Thousands of protesters demanding Lukashenko's resignation have taken to the streets of Minsk every weekend since an August 9 election that saw the 66-year-old claim a sixth term in office.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belaruss-lukashenko-and-son-put-on-sanctions-list-of-european-union-341210">Belarus's Lukashenko and son put on sanctions list of European Union</a>

Protesters believe political novice Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, 38, who took her jailed husband's place in the presidential race, was the true winner.

Moscow has continued to back Lukashenko since the protests erupted, with several meetings between senior officials from both sides in recent months.

Speaking at a press conference with his Belarusian counterpart Vladimir Makei, Lavrov accused the United States and several European countries of "gross interference" in the domestic affairs of Belarus.

"The wise Belarusian people are able to sort themselves out without any outside prompting and intrusive offers of unsolicited mediation," Lavrov said.

Lukashenko has accused Western countries of orchestrating the demonstrations and conspiring to have him removed after 26 years in power.&nbsp;

Lavrov said the West is "using dirty methods of so-called colour revolutions, including manipulating public opinion, supporting forces that are openly anti-government and promoting their radicalisation".

Several Western leaders have refused to recognise the results of the election and voiced support for Tikhanovskaya, who fled to EU member Lithuania shortly after the vote.&nbsp;

The European Union has slapped sanctions on Lukashenko and a number of his allies citing election rigging and a violent police crackdown on demonstrators.&nbsp;

Belarus police detained thousands of protesters in the first days of the demonstrations, with many reporting torture and abuse in custody.&nbsp;

They have continued to regularly arrest demonstrators and opposition figures, and several people have died during the protests.&nbsp;

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused the West of meddling in Belarus and pledged support to embattled President Lukashenko. It comes as Lavrov met strongman leader Lukashenko who has faced months of protests over his disputed re-election.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused the West of meddling in Belarus and pledged support to embattled President Lukashenko. It comes as Lavrov met strongman leader Lukashenko who has faced months of protests over his disputed re-election. Lavrov sent regards from President Vladimir Putin who bestowed a $1.5 billion loan on Belarus earlier in September in a gesture of support for Lukashenko. Russia is a traditional ally of Belarus. Sergei Lavrov held talks with Lukashenko and other top officials in the capital Minsk, in the latest show of Russia's support for authorities in its ex-Soviet neighbour. Thousands of protesters demanding Lukashenko's resignation have taken to the streets of Minsk every weekend since an August 9 election that saw the 66-year-old claim a sixth term in office. Also read: Belarus's Lukashenko and son put on sanctions list of European Union Protesters believe political novice Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, 38, who took her jailed husband's place in the presidential race, was the true winner. Moscow has continued to back Lukashenko since the protests erupted, with several meetings between senior officials from both sides in recent months. Speaking at a press conference with his Belarusian counterpart Vladimir Makei, Lavrov accused the United States and several European countries of "gross interference" in the domestic affairs of Belarus. "The wise Belarusian people are able to sort themselves out without any outside prompting and intrusive offers of unsolicited mediation," Lavrov said. Lukashenko has accused Western countries of orchestrating the demonstrations and conspiring to have him removed after 26 years in power. Lavrov said the West is "using dirty methods of so-called colour revolutions, including manipulating public opinion, supporting forces that are openly anti-government and promoting their radicalisation". Several Western leaders have refused to recognise the results of the election and voiced support for Tikhanovskaya, who fled to EU member Lithuania shortly after the vote. The European Union has slapped sanctions on Lukashenko and a number of his allies citing election rigging and a violent police crackdown on demonstrators. Belarus police detained thousands of protesters in the first days of the demonstrations, with many reporting torture and abuse in custody. They have continued to regularly arrest demonstrators and opposition figures, and several people have died during the protests.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accuses West of interfering in Belarus

The European Union said that President Alexander Lukashenko is not the legitimate president of Belarus, on Thursday. Saying his abrupt swearing-in on Wednesday went directly against the will of the people.

European Union: Lukashenko is not the legitimate Belarus president

Russia praised its embattled ally Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko’s proposals for constitutional changes; Report is here, watch this video.

Russia backs Lukashenko’s constitution reform for Belarus

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