Victory “demonstrates your high political authority,” the Kremlin chief gushes about his counterpart in Minsk.

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As Belarusians voted, Lukashenko sparred with the world's media at a press conference lasting more than four hours and 20 minutes. Asked how the election could be free and fair, given that all the main opposition figures are in jail or have fled the country,

Domestic activity has become strained in recent months by labour shortages and high interest rates introduced to tackle inflation, which has accelerated under record military spending.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó stated that the U.S. is considering lifting sanctions on Hungary, which were imposed under Joe Biden. He claimed the new U.S. administration is committed to rebuilding ties with Budapest.