Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka gestures as he delivers a speech during a rally of his supporters near the Government House in Independence Square in Minsk, Belarus August 16, 2020.
BBC: Belarus closes border to Ukraine over coup claim
Belarus has closed its border with Ukraine, claiming that arms are being smuggled into the country.
President Alexander Lukashenko says it is part of an attempt by outside powers to overthrow his authoritarian regime.
Mr Lukashenko claimed - without providing proof - that his security services had uncovered a foreign-backed terrorist sleeper cells plotting to oust him from power.
"They have crossed the line. We cannot forgive them," he said.
He alleged the weapons were being shipped to terrorist cells funded by Germany, Lithuania, Poland, Ukraine and the US.
"A huge amount of weapons is coming from Ukraine to Belarus.
That's why I ordered border-security forces to fully close the border with Ukraine," Mr Lukashenko said, at a ceremony marking the country's 30 years of independence following the collapse of the Soviet Union.
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WNU Editor: The Kremlin is throwing its support behind Lukashenko .... Putin Vows 'Comprehensive Assistance' To Embattled Lukashenka Regime (RFE). More here .... Putin vows support for Belarus amid external attempts to rock the boat (TASS).
More News On Belarus Closing Its Border To Ukraine
Lukashenko orders closure of Belarus border with Ukraine -- Reuters
Lukashenko claims Western-linked 'terrorist sleeper cells' exposed in Belarus -- France 24
Lukashenka Orders Closure Of Belarus-Ukraine Border Amid Growing International Pressure -- RFE