Thirty-three Russians arrested in Belarus

Thirty-three Russian nationals allegedly linked to the private military company Wagner were arrested in Belarus last night, the country's state news agency Belta said on Wednesday.

According to Belta, the law enforcement bodies followed the suspects from the moment of their arrival in Belarus.

It said a total of 200 Wagner mercenaries came to the country "to destabilize the situation during the presidential election campaign".

The Investigative Committee is probing the detained individuals.

Belarus will hold its presidential election on Aug. 9, and earlier, acting President Alexander Lukashenko voiced concern over possible engagement of foreign private military companies to organize provocations.