**Belarus Dictator Refuses OSCE Observers for Upcoming Election**
The leader of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, has refused to invite observers from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) to monitor the country‘s upcoming presidential election. This decision was made despite international criticism of previous election rigging in 2020.
Lukashenko has been in power for 30 years and is seeking a seventh term as president on January 26. The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) said this refusal to invite observers is “deeply regrettable” and a violation of Belarus’ international obligations.
**OSCE Criticizes Belarus**
The ODIHR Director, Maria Telalian, expressed disappointment with the decision, saying it deprives citizens of a transparent assessment of the election process. The OSCE had reached out to Belarusian officials in recent months to secure an invitation but received no response.
This is not the first time the OSCE has been denied access to observe elections in Belarus. In 2020, they were also unable to attend due to lack of timely invitations.
**Ukraine and International Community React**
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry criticized Lukashenko’s decision, saying it prioritizes short-term political considerations over strategic security interests. The country is currently under attack from Russia, which has led to significant losses in human life and economic damage.
In related news, the European Union is considering taking a leading role in providing military aid to Ukraine if the United States is not ready to do so.
**Russia’s Ongoing Invasion**
The conflict in Ukraine continues with reports of heavy casualties on both sides. Russia has suffered over 700,000 casualties since launching its full-scale invasion in 2022, more than in all Moscow’s conflicts since World War II combined.
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