In response to the West's increasing military support for Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced plans to station tactical atomic weapons in Belarus. The U.S. has not seen any indications that Russia is preparing to use its weapons, but Ukraine has called for an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council to "counter the Kremlin's nuclear blackmail." It is unclear how the U.N. Security Council meeting will address the situation.
Posts tagged as “Belarusian”
Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced a deal with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko to station tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, a move that is likely to further escalate tensions between Russia and the United States. The European Union has expressed opposition to the move, calling on Russia to adhere to its international commitments and refrain from any actions that could destabilize the region. Putin has said the agreement will see Russia construct a special storage facility for tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus by the beginning of July.
Ales Bialiatski, a Nobel Peace Prize winner and founder of the Viasna human rights center, was sentenced to 10 years in prison along with three other activists. This has been met with international condemnation, with the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights calling it "a grave injustice" and the European Union expressing its concern over the violation of freedom of expression and assembly. This sentencing is seen as a major setback for the Belarusian human rights movement and a sign of the government's increasing crackdown on dissent.
Belarusian human rights advocate Ales Bialiatski, winner of the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize, was sentenced to 10 years in prison on Friday for financing actions violating public order and smuggling. His co-defendants were also given lengthy sentences, prompting condemnation from around the world and calls for their immediate release. The trial has been seen as a test of Belarus’ commitment to human rights and the rule of law, with the international community now urging the Belarusian government to reverse the court’s decision.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko is visiting Beijing for a three-day state visit to upgrade their countries' ties to an "all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership". This visit has raised concerns from US officials that Beijing may be considering aiding Moscow in its ongoing assault on Ukraine. During the visit, the two leaders will exchange views on bilateral ties and international and regional issues of common concern, and sign a number of cooperation documents. The visit is expected to further strengthen the two countries' ties and could lead to increased economic cooperation.
Aryna Sabalenka overcame a nervous start to defeat Elena Rybakina in the Australian Open women’s final, becoming the first player competing under a neutral flag to win a Grand Slam title. Despite making five double faults in the opening set, Sabalenka managed to turn the match around in the second and third sets, breaking Rybakina’s serve three times and ultimately paving the way for her success. After breaking Rybakina’s serve in the seventh game of the third set, Sabalenka had to work for the championship, requiring three more match points before finally securing the win.