The Latest Breaking News from Belarus

Drones shot down over Crimea, Moscow claims; Putin says Russia has stockpile of cluster bombs – as it happened

Russia says air defence forces intercepted attacks over port city of Sevastopol; Putin says Russia will take ‘reciprocal’ action if devices used on his troops

The Guardian - AU · Jul 16, 2023

Ukraine says ‘only a few hundred’ Wagner troops are in Belarus

Kyiv reports fighting has intensified on eastern front, with its forces on defensive near Kupiansk

The Guardian - UK · Jul 16, 2023

Russia repels Ukraine drone attack on Crimea, says Kremlin

Russia thwarted a Ukrainian drone attack near Sebastopol, a crucial port in Russian-annexed Crimea, Russia's defence ministry said Sunday morning. Moscow's air defence forces and Black Sea fleet reportedly took out a total of nine drones throughout the assault, which the ministry said caused no damage or casualties. Also, President…

France 24 · Jul 16, 2023

Russian Wagner mercenaries emerge in Belarus as troop trainers

Wagner mercenaries have emerged in Belarus as military instructors, the first official sign of the group’s presence in the country since the mutiny in Russia that spiraled into the most serious threat to President Vladimir Putin’s Kremlin rule.

Tribune News Service · Jul 15, 2023

Wagner troops training Belarus forces

MOSCOW - Belarus said Friday that instructors from the Russian mercenary force Wagner were training its troops, following weeks of uncertainty about the future of the group after its failed mutiny in Russia.

Bangkok Post · Jul 14, 2023

The IOC says it will not invite Russia and Belarus to the 2024 Olympics in Paris

While Russia and Belarus will not receive formal invitations, the International Olympic Committee says it will not stop athletes from the two countries from participating as neutral contestants.

WEKU · Jul 14, 2023

Why are Russian and Belarusian players allowed back at Wimbledon?

Top players such as Aryna Sabalenka and Daniil Medvedev are back after the All England Club lifted its controversial ban

The Independent UK · Jul 14, 2023

Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin ‘dead or in prison’ after Putin meeting, former US commander claims

Kremlin claims warlord Prigozhin met with president after failed rebellion but Robert Abrams, a retired US general, is doubtful we’ll ever see proof of talks

The Independent UK · Jul 14, 2023

Ons Jabeur beats Aryna Sabaleneka to seal Wimbledon final spot

Sixth-seeded Tunisian defeats Belarusian for a place in her second consecutive Wimbledon final.

Al Jazeera · Jul 13, 2023

Wimbledon day 11: Ons Jabeur and Marketa Vondrousova deny Ukraine-Belarus final

Defeats for Aryna Sabalenka and Elina Svitolina prevented a politically-charged women’s final.

The Independent UK · Jul 13, 2023