Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko takes office for the seventh time in a low-key ceremony in Minsk. Despite past protests and Western criticism over election fraud claims, Lukashenko solidifies his grip on power. He remains a key ally of Russia, echoing Putin's stance on NATO and offering Belarusian territory for Russian weapons. Watch for more details!
Putin heads to Belarus on Monday for his first visit in 3-1/2 years with the Kremlin describing it as a broad "working visit" with Belarussian President Alexander Lukashenko.
In October, Lukashenko announced a fresh Russian deployment of 9,000 troops to the country as part of a new joint military grouping between the two countries.