Putin confirmed that there is no need to deploy Russian security forces in Belarus and that the situation in this country is gradually stabilizing.

Russian President Vladimir Putin today said that his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko had offered him a backup police force, but pledged not to use it unless the crisis got out of control.

Putin also said that Russia did not see the need to deploy forces to Belarus to deal with the political crisis after the presidential election on August 9, asserting that Moscow feels the situation is gradually stabilizing.

Protests erupted in Belarus after Lukashenko, 65, announced his re-election to a sixth presidency with more than 80% of the vote.

Those who opposed Lukashenko's re-election organized strikes and protests, demanding that he resign.

President Lukashenko rejected the idea of organizing re-election as well as calling for resignation, and accused the opposition of plotting to take power.

Lukashenko announced today that he is open to dialogue with working classes, students and members who "understand the arguments" of the opposition, but said that it will not happen under the pressure of the protests.

Russia, a close ally of Belarus, repeatedly warned the West that it was "unacceptable" to interfere with internal affairs or put pressure on Belarusian leaders.

During a phone call on August 16, Putin told Lukashenko that Russia was ready to provide military assistance under a collective defense treaty if necessary to assist Belarus "solve problems" arising from the presidential election.