Belarus again ruled out participating in the war in Ukraine alongside Russia, with its top diplomat insisting that a political and diplomatic solution is the only way to end the conflict. Belarusian Foreign Minister Sergei Aleynik was asked by the Associated Press whether he foresees a situation in which Belarus could take part in the war. "My answer is no," Aleynik said, adding that Russia's longstanding ally Belarus has always supported peace in its neighboring country and will continue "to do everything in our power" to achieve it. Russia's Defense Ministry published a video in which Admiral Viktor Sokolov was seen attending a video conference with Russian defense officials Tuesday. Ukraine admitted Tuesday that Sokolov's death had not been confirmed, but a top defense analyst has questioned the authenticity of the Russian video.

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Persons: Sergei Aleynik, Aleynik, Viktor Sokolov Organizations: Associated Press, Fleet, Russia's Defense, Russian Locations: Belarus, Ukraine, Russia, Belarusian, Crimea