The army forces of Russia and Belarus have started joint military drills in the Baltic Sea and across the territory of their countries, causing alarm in some European Union states and NATO countries.

The delivery is likely to be interpreted as a further sign of Moscow’s unwavering support for Minsk.

US President Joe Biden has already signed an executive order that expands anti-Minsk sanctions which have been in place since 2006.

Asked about the measures, Lukashenko called British officials “America's lapdogs” and said London should choke on the sanctions.

The Foreign Office has announced a raft of new measures against Belarus in a deliberate attempt to escalate tensions with the East European country.

Russia plans to hold military drills with China and Belarus on both ends of its eastern and western borders in the face of rising US and NATO provocations.

Iran’s new President Raeisi says the Islamic Republic is determined and open to enhancing bilateral cooperation with the United Arab Emirates.