INTERNATIONAL: The leaders of Russia and Belarus have joined forces on the ice rink for a decisive 18:7 win in an ice hockey game in St Petersburg on Wednesday.

Putin and Lukashenko have played for the same team. Putin scored seven goals and Lukashenko two goals. The two presidents played the friendly match after bilateral talks broadcast on state television.

Russia and Belarus plan to hold joint military drills in February or March 2022, President Vladimir Putin has announced earlier on Wednesday.

The planned exercises, on Belarusian territory, come amid unprecedented East-West tensions, with Russia demanding that NATO promise not to admit Ukraine, which borders both Russia and Belarus. Ukraine says Russia may be preparing an invasion, something Moscow had denied.