Moscow demands that Belarus free 33 detained Russians

MOSCOW (AP) — The Kremlin is demanding that Belarus quickly release 33 Russian private security contractors detained on terrorism charges. Belarusian officials said the employees of private Russian military contractor Wagner are facing a criminal probe on charges of plotting terror attacks in Belarus amid the country’s presidential election campaign. President Alexander Lukashenko is seeking a sixth term in the Aug. 9 election, and independent observers and opposition supporters in Belarus see the detention of the Russians as an effort to shore up his sagging public support. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov says Russia expects Belarus to quickly free the security workers. Ukraine, meanwhile, wants 28 of the detainees sent to Ukraine to be tried for allegedly helping separatists.