Belarus leader Lukashenko speaks with Russian President Putin

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko spoke with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, about the protests raging through his country, AFP quoted Belarusian state news agency Belta. “The presidents discussed the situation that is unfolding inside and around Belarus,” Belta reported.

According to AFP, earlier on Saturday, Lukashenko expressed said he wanted to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin. 

“The aggression against Belarus is developing. We need to contact Putin, the president of Russia, so that I can talk with him now,” Lukashenko said in a meeting with government officials.

“Because this is already a threat not only to Belarus,” he added.

Lukashenko, who has been in power since 1994 claimed to have won re-election last Sunday with 80% of the vote. 

This sparked protests over an allegation that the election was rigged as opposition candidate Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya captured support. She has fled the country and is in Lithuania.

Belarus is more tightly linked to Russia than any other country and the two form a “union state” with an integrated economic zone and military alliance.