Belarus recalled its ambassador to Britain on Friday in response to what it called “hostile and unfriendly” actions by London. In a statement, Belarus’ foreign ministry said Britain had adopted policies that were “systematically aimed at causing maximum damage to Belarusian citizens and legal entities,” citing sanctions on its companies, a ban on national airline Belavia and restrictions on Belarusian state media. (https://news.yahoo.com/belarus-recalls-ambassador-britain-over-100031818.html) Ties between Belarus and the West have plunged since the country’s leader, Alexander Lukashenko, cracked down hard on the opposition after a disputed 2020 presidential election. Lukashenko and Minsk have become increasingly isolated in the West and moved closer to the Kremlin for crucial financial, military and diplomatic support.