Russian President Vladimir Putin denied plans to absorb Belarus as he paid a rare visit Monday to the country whose strongman assisted his invasion of neighbouring Ukraine. Putin ordered the Federal Security Services to step up surveillance of Russian society and the country’s borders to prevent risks from abroad and traitors at home. Follow our live blog for all the latest developments. All times are Paris time (GMT+1).
<!-- wp:html --><p>Russian President Vladimir Putin denied plans to absorb Belarus as he paid a rare visit Monday to the country whose strongman assisted his invasion of neighbouring Ukraine. Putin ordered the Federal Security Services to step up surveillance of Russian society and the country's borders to prevent risks from abroad and traitors at home. Follow our live blog for all the latest developments. All times are Paris time (GMT+1). </p><!-- /wp:html -->