**Belarusian Leader Lukashenko Inaugurated After Widely Criticized Election**
On March 25, Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko began his seventh term in power. He declared himself the winner of a January election that was widely seen as neither fair nor free.
In his inauguration speech at the Independence Palace in Minsk, Lukashenko claimed that Belarus has its own standards for holding elections, which could become an international benchmark. However, independent observers and human rights groups have criticized the election as a sham.
**Opposition Denounces Election**
A day before the inauguration, 10 Belarusian human rights groups denounced the January presidential elections and Lukashenko’s continued hold on power. They said the vote was held in a deep human rights crisis, with repression against civil society, independent media, opposition, and dissenters.
Lukashenko has been in power since 1994 and is known for his harsh crackdown on political opposition, free media, and civil society.
**Ukraine Conflict**
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s conflict with Russia continues. On March 24, Russia launched a devastating missile attack against the northeastern city of Sumy, just as the U.S. and Russia were leading ceasefire talks in Saudi Arabia.
The restart of flights is vital for rebuilding Ukraine’s economy, according to Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary.
**US-Russia Talks**
Ukrainian and U.S. delegations are scheduled to meet in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on March 25 to discuss a possible ceasefire.
“We are talking about technical negotiations,” said Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov. “These negotiations are immersed in details, so, of course, the content of these negotiations will definitely not be published.”
**Russia’s War Efforts**
Ukraine’s Air Force struck a concentration of Russian military personnel in Kondratovka, Kursk Oblast, killing up to 30 Russian soldiers.
Russian forces have suffered 1,180 casualties over the past day, according to reports.
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