The leader of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, has accused the West of trying to destabilise his country, as he held talks with his main ally, Russia’s President Putin. The two men pledged to strengthen their alliance.
It follows international condemnation of Belarus for forcing a Ryanair flight to land, in order to arrest an opposition journalist.
The UK and EU have demanded the immediate release of Roman Protasevich and have banned flights from Belarus, while Brussels is threatening to impose economic sanctions.
President Lukashenko’s Kremlin-backed regime is accused of widespread repression and human rights abuse.
Sophie Raworth presents BBC News at Ten reporting by Sarah Rainsford from the capital Minsk.
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