Putin loses key ally in Ukraine invasion as Belarus' Lukashenko pulls out of backing Russian effort

Vladimir Putin loses a key ally in his “large-scale invasion” of Ukraine as Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko confirms they will not take part in the operation.

Belarus is seen as a close friend of the Kremlin, with allegations suggesting that Russian troops were attacking Ukraine from the Belarusian border, while there has been fears that Belarusian soldiers have already been helping Putin.

But Lukashenko has strongly denied both claims, saying that Belarus has not, and will not take part in the ongoing invasion.

“Operation is being undertaken on five directions, including Crimea, Donetsk and Luhansk. Meanwhile Belarusian army hasn't taken any part in the military operation," he said.

“We are not going to take part in this special operation in the future. We are not going take part in this special operation in Ukraine."

The Belarusian border played host to negotiations between Ukraine and Russia on Monday, but talks ended without finding a ceasefire agreement.

More talks are expected later this week, with Lukashenko praising both parties for their professionalism, adding that he hopes the talks will end the war.

“I must emphasise the professionalism of Russians and Ukrainians at the talks. It gives hope that these talks will possibly help to end the war. But believe me, everything depends on Ukrainians," he added.

Belarus has been hit with a raft of sanctions after allowing Russia to use its territory.

Britain said on Tuesday that it had imposed sanctions against Belarusian individuals and organisations.

"The Lukashenko regime actively aids and abets Russia’s illegal invasion and will be made to feel the economic consequences for its support for Putin," Foreign Minister Liz Truss said in a statement.

The EU is expected to increase its sanctions on Belarus in the coming days.