In this June 30, 2020 file photo, Russian President Vladimir Putin, left, and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko greet WWII veterans in the village of Khoroshev. APVladimir Putin has offered to help ensure Belarus's security, according to its president Alexander Lukashenko, as pressure builds on the strongman leader and opposition protesters prepare for a show of force on Sunday. Many gathered at the spot where Alexander Taraikovsky, 34, died on Monday during protests against an election the opposition says was rigged to give Lukashenko another term in office. Facing the biggest challenge to his rule since taking power in 1994, Lukashenko called in Moscow's help and spoke on the phone with Putin Saturday. The Kremlin said the leaders agreed the "problems" in Belarus would be "resolved soon" and the countries' ties strengthened.

Source: The Standard August 16, 2020 09:45 UTC