The Latest Breaking News from Belarus

Britain’s top diplomat has urged Russia to defuse tensions over Ukraine and take the path of diplomacy even as thousands of Russian troops engaged in sweeping maneuvers in Belarus as part of a military buildup near Ukraine that has fueled Western fears of an invasion

Britain said on Thursday the "most dangerous moment" in the West's standoff with Moscow appeared imminent, as Russia held military exercises in Belarus and the Black Sea following the buildup of its forces near Ukraine.

It's hard to find a more tranquil place than this hamlet on the edge of northern Ukraine. A collection of huts sprinkled along a barely there road, it abuts the Zheveda and Tsata rivers.

The next few days could be the most dangerous moment in Europe's biggest security crisis for decades as Russia stages war games in Belarus, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Thursday, though he believed Moscow had not yet decided whether to invade Ukraine.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) said on Thursday it was up to the International Ski Federation (FIS) to decide whether to take action in the case of a Belarusian cross-country skier who was barred from competition over what her family said were its political views.

Russia and Belarus launched joint military drills on Thursday, scheduled to continue until February 20. The exercises have raised concerns in Western countries, with fears that Moscow is plotting a major escalation in the conflict in Ukraine. Follow the day's events as they unfolded.

Russia and Belarus launched joint military drills Thursday despite concerns in Western countries that Moscow is plotting a major escalation of the conflict in Ukraine. The exercises, scheduled to continue until February 20 in Belarus, had begun and would center around "suppressing and repelling external aggression," Russia's defense ministry said…

As Russia and Belarus begin 10 days of military drills, the mood in the Ukranian capital is tense — but resilient Kievites are determined not to let fear win. Olga Tokariuk reports

The Pentagon says Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent more soldiers to the Ukranian border, warning "every day he adds to his capabilities".

Darya Dolidovich had hoped to be skiing for her country at the Winter Olympics this month, but instead has fled with her family over worries about her family's safety.

Thursday: The Coalition has passed the controversial legislation through the lower house. Plus: Perth prepares for festival opening despite border closures