Putin told Russia’s state television that Lukashenko had asked him to prepare a Russian law enforcement contingent to deploy to Belarus if necessary. Belarusian authorities released the men shortly after the vote in a bid to mend ties with the Kremlin amid rising Western criticism. Seeking Moscow’s support, Lukashenko has cast the protests against his reelection as part of a Western plot to weaken Russia. On Thursday, he accused Belarus’ neighbors of open interference with their push for a new election. “Putin must be ashamed — he’s promising to add Russian clubs to the Belarusian ones,” said 45-year-old protester Regina Fustovich.

Source: Los Angeles Times August 27, 2020 15:09 UTC