Latest World News: Vladimir Putin welcomes Alexander Lukashenko, says Ukrainian country
“There is no counter-offensive,” Russian news agencies quoted Lukashenko as saying.
Putin replied: “It exists, but it failed.”
Ukraine launched its long-awaited counter-offensive last month but has so far made only small gains against entrenched Russian forces that control more than a sixth of its territory after nearly 17 months of war.
US General Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said on Tuesday that the Ukraine campaign was “far from a failure” but would be long, difficult and bloody.
A Telegram channel linked to Lukashenko quoted him as saying in a joking tone that fighters from the Russian mercenary group Wagner who now train the Belarusian army were keen to cross the border into NATO member Poland. There was no indication that Lukashenko was seriously considering this idea. On Thursday, the Belarusian Defense Ministry said Wagner fighters began training Belarusian special forces at a military firing range a few miles from the Polish border.
Poland is moving additional troops to the border with Belarus in response to the arrival of Wagner’s forces who moved there after staging a short-lived mutiny in Russia last month.
Putin, in response, warned Poland on Friday that any aggression against Belarus would be considered an attack on Russia. He said Moscow would use all means at its disposal to react to any hostility towards Minsk.
HELPFUL PARTNER
Russia and Belarus are linked in a partnership called the “union state” in which Moscow is by far the dominant player. But Lukashenko has proved his worth to Putin since invading Ukraine in February 2022, allowing Russia to use his country as a launching pad at the start of the war.
He then let Russian forces train at his military bases, conducted frequent joint exercises and took delivery of tactical nuclear weapons that Putin planted in Belarus in a move widely condemned in the West.
The Kremlin also credited Lukashenko with brokering last month’s deal to end the mutiny of Wagner, who Putin said had briefly threatened to tip Russia into civil war.
Putin said the two leaders would meet on Sunday and Monday and discuss security and other issues “in detail and depth.”
Lukashenko has not committed his small army to join Russia’s war, but the risk of another attack from Belarusian soil is forcing Ukraine to protect its northern border, stretching its forces as it tries to step up its counteroffensive in the east and south of the country.
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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.