The Kyiv Independent
News, analyses, investigations, opinions, podcasts and more. On-the-ground reporting from Ukraine
Media: Lukashenko building luxury residence near Sochi.
A private company connected to Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko is building a luxury residence in the mountains near Sochi, Russia, according to a joint investigation by the Polish news outlet Belsat and the association of former Belarusian security officials BELPOL.
Lukashenko has been the only president of Belarus since he came to power in 1994, in what is widely considered the first and last time free elections were held in the country since the dissolution of the Soviet Union.
The residence is reportedly being built in the elite resort town of Krasnaya Polyana on a plot of more than 97,000 square meters. Investigators obtained the purchase agreement for the plot along with Lukashenko's secret orders to transfer ownership of the property from the state of Belarus into the hands of Lukashenko's private associates.
The site in Krasnaya Polyana was owned by Belarus from 2009 to 2022, investigators said. Belarusian authorities acquired the land in exchange for Belarusian lands given to Russia in an agreeement signed in May 2009.
The plot was reported sold in February of 2022, the same month Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The listed buyer was Kompleks-Invest LLC, a Russian entity created six months before the sale. Around the time the LLC was set up, Lukashenko reportedly issued secret orders for the privatization of the land.
Plans for the residency include a swimming pool, a movie theater, Russian and Turkish baths, a massage room, and a fitness center, among other amenities. The site will also include a restaurant and a hotel.
According to Belsat investigators, Lukashenko may have decided to establish a residence outside of Belarus after mass protests broke out following the falsified 2020 election results. The luxury complex may be his intended home after he leaves office, either voluntarily or forcibly, journalists suggested.
Media: Italian Defense Minister reportedly hospitalized.
Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto was reportedly hospitalized on May 21 after falling ill during a meeting of the Italian Supreme Defense Council, multiple Italian media outlets reported.
Russian attacks on Sumy Oblast damage energy infrastructure, injure 1 person.
Russian forces attacked 11 communities in Sumy Oblast, injuring one person, and causing damage to energy infrastructure, the Sumy Oblast Military Administration reported.
Russia begins exercises simulating use of tactical nuclear weapons.
The first stage of the drills will begin with the "combat use" of Iskander and Kinzhal ballistic missiles with nuclear warheads, equipping their launch, and "covertly advancing to the designated position in preparation for missile launches."
Russia unilaterally decides to change maritime border with Lithuania, Finland in Baltic Sea.
Lithuania and Finland have not yet reacted to Russia's decision toward the maritime border, nor has Russia's unilateral decision been recognized internationally.
Ukrainian public broadcaster launches broadcasting separate from state-sponsored telethon.
The telethon was seen as a legitimate response to Russia's aggression but later it was accused of monopolizing television coverage and stifling dissent. Some opposition television channels have complained that they were excluded from the telethon ...
The Uplift: A generous gift
A mom gives her teenage daughter a lifesaving gift that strengthens their bond. A barista gets a meaningful gift from a stranger who wanted to reward her for her kindness. Plus, other good news. CBS News Streaming Network is the premier 24/7 ancho...
'No survivors' found at crash site involving Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi: Iran.
Fox News overnight anchor and correspondent Ashley Strohmier has the latest details on the reported helicopter crash involving Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi. #foxnews #fox Subscribe to Fox News! Watch more Fox News Video: Watch Fox News Channel L...
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in helicopter crash - May 19, 2024.
The helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and his foreign minister crashed on Sunday as it was crossing mountain terrain in heavy fog. We talk to Alex Vatanka, the founding Director of the Iran Program at the Middle East Institute. V...
BREAKING: Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi has died after helicopter crash - reports.
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has died after the helicopter he was travelling on crashed in a mountainous area in the northwest of Iran, according to reports. President Raisi, 63, who was seen as a frontrunner to succeed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei a...
Let's play 'Bail Bond Bingo'!
'Fox News Saturday Night' panelists guess what suspects were charged with what crimes. #foxnews Subscribe to Fox News! Watch more Fox News Video: Watch Fox News Channel Live: FOX News Channel (FNC) is a 24-hour all-encompassing news service delive...
Black voters weigh in on Biden's performance as Trump surges in polls.
Subscribe to Fox News! Watch more Fox News Video: Watch Fox News Channel Live: FOX News Channel (FNC) is a 24-hour all-encompassing news service delivering breaking news as well as political and business news. The number one network in cable, FNC ...