Lukashenko tells Putin “dost you're in trouble”, he gives it $1.5 billion

Putin and Lucasenka met on Monday in Soci, Russia, for the first time since protests against the regime in Belarus last month have started.

Lukashenko told Putin that a friend is in trouble,” at the start of the meeting, thanking him for his support, writes The Guardian, broadcast Periscopi.

The cause of the protests has become Lucashenka's controversial re-election in the August 9th elections.

Lucashenka, who has been in power since 1994, has blamed “foreign intervention” for the protests.

Police have brutally arrested and beaten thousands of protesters, actions that have been condemned by the United States and the European Union.

In addition to announcing the loan, Putin also signalled military support for Lucashenka, saying defence co-operation between the two countries would continue.

Russian paramilitaries began joint exercises with Belarusian forces Monday.

Putin also supported plans for constitutional reform in Belarus, previously announced by Lucasenka.

However, the opposition in Belarus has dismissed them, saying the regime tries to retain power despite manipulations in the elections.

Putin said it is up to the Belarusites to solve the crisis on their own.

Lucashenka said Belarus must maintain close ties with “the older brother” Russia.

The meeting in Soci followed the fifth consecutive weekend of protests in Minsk and other Belarusian cities.

Sunday's protests gathered tens of thousands of Belaruss on the streets, calling for Lucashenka to leave power.