Diplomatic Tensions Rise as Belarus Expels Czech Diplomat

Belarus has expelled a Czech diplomat and summoned a Polish diplomat following the Czech Republic and Poland's expulsion of Belarusian diplomats over espionage allegations. Belarus, aligned with Russia in the Ukraine conflict, faces Western sanctions after suppressing 2020 election protests, which most Western countries and the opposition rejected as illegitimate.

In a significant escalation of diplomatic tensions, Belarus announced the expulsion of a Czech diplomat. This move comes after the Czech Republic and Poland expelled Belarusian diplomats earlier this month, citing espionage concerns. Poland further intensified the situation by arresting an individual accused of being a Belarusian spy.

Belarus, a staunch ally of Russia amidst the ongoing Ukraine war, has been subjected to Western sanctions since the contentious 2020 election. The election results, which awarded victory to long-serving leader Alexander Lukashenko, were widely rejected by the opposition and most Western nations.

The latest actions from Belarus include hosting major military exercises with Russian forces, underlining its strategic partnership with Moscow.

(With inputs from agencies.)