Belarusian foreign ministry says country remains Russia's ally and shares objectives of war in Ukraine

This is stated in the address by the Security Council of Belarus.

"Belarus has been and remains an ally of Russia, which fully shares the goals and objectives of the special military operation in Ukraine. This is a difficult, forced and justified mission to protect Russian people in Donbas. In fact, there is a struggle for the future of the Slavic world," the statement said.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus believes that Belarusians and Russians are fraternal peoples, their states are bound by a political union. Thus, Belarus cannot stay away from the events taking place in southern Russia.

"Any provocation, any internal conflict in military and political circles, in the information field and civil society is a gift to the collective West. Even if the forces concerned are not at the source of such scenarios, they will not miss the chance to develop and lead them. This could lead to a catastrophe. There was nothing more terrible in the history of Russia than the turmoil, which was destructive and senseless in nature," the Belarusian Foreign Ministry said.

The Belarusian diplomats also noted that something like what is happening is not worth the consequences and losses that emotional decisions and illegal actions can lead to. According to the Belarusian authorities, the interests of the people, the lives of ordinary citizens, and the integrity of Russia are at stake.

The country's Foreign Ministry called for a "voice of reason".

"In this difficult time, all those involved in the unacceptable confrontation within the military fraternity, which is united in its goals, are needed where the future of the Slavic world and the fate of millions of our people are being decided. The Belarusian people have always been and will always be with Russia," they state.

• Belarusian opposition politician Valery Tsepkalo said that Vladimir Putin is asking Alexander Lukashenko to send him fighters of the Belarusian special operations forces.

• Everything related to Prigozhin's armed rebellion against Putin can be found here - in Espreso’s special text updates.