State television has not shown any current pictures of the politician for days, but he had a message of congratulations read out for the holiday. Media in neighboring Ukraine had previously reported that Lukashenko had been taken to a hospital.
The Belarusian ruler is considered the “last dictator in Europe”
Lukashenko, often referred to as Europe’s last dictator, attended the military parade in Moscow last Tuesday to commemorate the Soviet Army’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. He looked noticeably shattered and left the Victory Day celebrations on May 9th early. So far, there has been no statement about his condition from the President’s Office in Minsk.
EU-exiled opposition politician Pavel Latushko, who was once a Minister of Culture in the Minsk government, said on Friday that Lukashenko “is obviously very seriously ill.” Nothing is left of the former image of the strong leader. In 2020, Lukashenko declared himself the winner again in a controversial presidential election and had protests against the vote put down.
“Can’t even stand up straight in the stands, swaying with weakness”
“He can’t even walk a few hundred meters, can’t give speeches, can’t even stand up straight in the stands, swaying with weakness,” said Latuschko. State television is helpless and no longer knows what to say or show.
As an authoritarian ruler, Lukashenko is the central linchpin of political life in Belarus (Belarus). He owed his remaining in office in 2020 primarily to the support of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Since then, Belarus has been more than ever economically and financially dependent on Russia. Minsk is also supporting Moscow in the war in Ukraine, allowing Belarusian territory to be used by Russian forces to attack the neighboring country.
