Belarus electoral commission announced Lukashenko's victory with 86.82% of votes, continuing the pattern from previous elections. Putin swiftly extended congratulations and an invitation to Moscow, while Russian media emphasized the legitimacy of the process.
Military reporting focused on the recapture of Nikolaevo-Darino in Kursk region, while acknowledging difficulties in assessing damage from recent Ukrainian incursions. The government approved changes to military draft regulations, extending recruitment periods beyond traditional timeframes.
By afternoon, attention shifted to EU's formal extension of sanctions against Russia, with Hungary's agreement following energy security guarantees. Three Russian officials were added to EU blacklist for alleged cyberattacks on Estonia. Evening coverage highlighted Estonian PM Kallas's statement about Ukrainian front movement westward, while maintaining parallel narratives about poverty reduction and social payment increases scheduled for February.