The economy shrank 2 percent year-on-year in the first quarter, although officials said that April was marked by some positive trends, in particular in terms of industrial production growth.

The first shipment in amount of about 2,000 tonnes was imported this week by SOCAR New Energy, the company's subsidiary.

If the EU and the West as a whole do not react harshly and adequately to Lukashenko's trick, then not only Putin, but also Lukashenko, or both, will wipe their feet about this collective West.

Fitch said the decision was based on majority state ownership, significant systemic importance, and a record of capital and liquidity support.

Uzbekistan and Afghanistan are expected to sign an agreement on preferential trade to increase trading volumes between the two countries.

Since the elections in August, Protasevich has allegedly been targeted by the Lukashenko regime and has had criminal charges filed against him for allegedly being a terrorist. In Belarus, terrorists can face the death penalty.