Russia promises to ensure security of Belarus

MOSCOW/MINSK, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Russia is obliged to ensure the security of its ally Belarus within the framework of the Russian-Belarusian Union and will not leave Belarus in the lurch if it is subjected to aggression, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Thursday.

According to Belarusian officials on Thursday, extremist groups planned to seize Belarus' border areas.

On Jan. 26, presidential elections will be held in Belarus.