Alexander Lukashenko, Belarusian leader, extends his 31-year rule amid allegations of unfair elections. Western governments denounce the election as a sham, citing lack of independent media and opposition suppression.

Russia claims to have captured the strategically important Ukrainian town of Velyka Novosilka, as Vladimir Putin’s forces continue their push in the Donetsk region.While Moscow’s claims could not be independently verified,

Alexander Lukashenko, a longstanding leader of Belarus and ally of Russia, won a contentious presidential election deemed fraudulent by Western governments. With 86.8% of the vote and an 85.7% turnout,

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko is projected to take victory in the virtually uncontested election by a greater margin than he did in 2020.

Belarus’ Lukashenko has secured re-election with 86.8% of the vote in a contest widely condemned as a sham.

Belarusian autocrat Alexander Lukashenko said Sunday he had "no regrets" about allowing Russia in 2022 to use his territory to invade Ukraine.

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Belarus autocrat Alexander Lukashenko said Sunday that his jailed opponents had "opened their mouths too widely" as he voted in an election set to extend his three-decade rule in the

Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko defended his 31-year rule during a controversial election, dismissing Western criticism and claims of a sham vote due to jailed or exiled opposition. The EU and US refused to acknowledge him as Belarus' legitimate leader amidst human rights concerns and geopolitical alignments with Russia.

Alexander Lukashenko is expected to extend his 31-year rule with 87.6% of the vote, according to an exit poll broadcast on state TV. Four opposition candidates appeared on ballots, but all are loyal to Mr Lukashenko and have praised his rule.

The European Union will not lift sanctions against the government of Belarus's autocrat Alexander Lukashenko following the country's "sham" presidential elections, the bloc's top diplomat Kaja Kallas said on Sunday.