Latest World News: Putin, Lukashenko to meet after Russia warns against aggression
Moscow,UPDATED: Jul 23, 2023 10:04 IST
By Reuters: Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko will meet on Sunday, the Kremlin announced, two days after Moscow warned that any aggression against its neighbor and staunchest ally would be considered an attack on Russia.
After Poland decided earlier this week to move military units closer to its border with Belarus in response to the arrival in Belarus of Russian Wagner Group forces, Putin said Moscow would use all means at its disposal to respond to any hostility towards Minsk.
The Kremlin said Lukashenko was on a working visit to Russia and would talk to Putin about further developing the countries’ “strategic partnership”.
Without sending his own troops to Ukraine, Lukashenko allowed Moscow to use Belarusian territory to launch his full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and has since met frequently with Putin.
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The two countries have since held several joint military training exercises, and in June Lukashenko allowed his country to be used as a base for Russian nuclear weapons, a move widely condemned by the West.
The perception that Lukashenko, an outcast in the West, depended on Putin for his survival had stoked fears in Kiev that Putin was pressuring him to join a new ground offensive and open a new front in Russia’s failing invasion of Ukraine.
On Thursday, the Belarusian Defense Ministry said mercenaries from the Wagner Group had started training Belarusian special forces at a military firing range a few kilometers from the border with NATO member Poland.
Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin was shown in a video welcoming his fighters to Belarus on Wednesday, telling them they would no longer participate in the war in Ukraine for now but ordering them to muster forces for Wagner’s operations in Africa while they train the Belarusian army.
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An Overview of Global Events in 2023
In 2023, the world witnessed a myriad of events that left a lasting impact on global affairs. From political developments and economic shifts to environmental challenges and breakthroughs in science and technology, the year was marked by significant changes and a sense of urgency for collective action. Here’s an overview of some of the latest world news in 2023.
Political Unrest and Diplomatic Strides:
In the political arena, several regions experienced unrest and geopolitical tensions. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East continued to dominate headlines, with efforts towards peace and stability remaining elusive. However, there were also moments of diplomatic breakthroughs as nations engaged in dialogues to ease tensions and work towards lasting solutions.
Economic Transformations:
The global economy faced both challenges and opportunities. Trade disputes between major powers affected markets, while some countries grappled with debt crises. On the other hand, emerging economies showed resilience and promising growth, fueling optimism for a more balanced global economic landscape.
Technological Advancements:
Innovation surged forward in the tech industry, with breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and space exploration. Quantum computing achieved milestones, promising radical transformations across industries. Renewable energy sources gained traction, with many countries setting ambitious goals to combat climate change.
Climate Crisis and Environmental Resilience:
As the climate crisis intensified, extreme weather events wreaked havoc in various parts of the world. Wildfires, hurricanes, and floods reminded humanity of the urgent need for climate action. In response, governments and communities across the globe doubled down on efforts to reduce carbon emissions, invest in sustainable infrastructure, and protect biodiversity.
Health and Pandemic Management:
Health remained a global priority as countries continued to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. With the emergence of new variants, vaccination efforts and public health measures remained crucial to curbing the spread of the virus. There were also significant advancements in medical research and technology, offering hope for better preparedness in handling future health crises.
Sports and Cultural Milestones:
Amidst the challenges, the world found moments of joy and unity through sports and culture. International sporting events brought together athletes from diverse backgrounds, promoting solidarity and camaraderie. Cultural exchanges and celebrations showcased the richness of human diversity and fostered mutual understanding.
In conclusion, the year 2023 was a dynamic period filled with significant events that shaped the course of history. From political unrest to technological advancements and environmental challenges, the world witnessed the complexities of the global landscape. While obstacles remained, there were also encouraging developments and collaborative efforts towards a more sustainable, peaceful, and prosperous future for all nations. As we move forward, the lessons learned from these events serve as a reminder of the importance of collective action and cooperation to address shared global challenges.