Belarus PM replaces Lukashenko at the ceremony, sparks conjecture. Alexander Lukashenko, who has not been seen in public since Tuesday, did not attend a ceremony in Minsk on Sunday, sparking rumors that he is critically ill.
Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko read Lukashenko’s message at an annual ceremony where young people swear allegiance to the ex-Soviet state’s flag, according to BelTA.
The agency did not explain Lukashenko’s absence five days after he appeared ill and skipped sections of Moscow’s World War Two commemorations.
Lukashenko did not speak at a Minsk anniversary ceremony for the first time in his rule. He disappeared after that.
Lukashenko’s office is silent. Euroradio reported Saturday that Lukashenko was brought to a Minsk clinic.
Konstantin Zatulin, a senior Duma member, told the Russian online site Podyom that “(Lukashenko) has simply fallen ill… and probably needs a rest.”
Kommersant, citing Zatulin and Belarusian opposition media, reported on Lukashenko’s health. However, Russian media rarely cover the health of its leaders or allies.
Since 1994, Lukashenko, 68, has led Belarus, deploying police to quell protesters while courts closed dissident media outlets and imprisoned opponents.
Lukashenko suppressed protests with Putin’s support and allowed Russia to invade Ukraine last year. Russia labels the invasion a “special operation.”
Last week, Russia’s foreign ministry confirmed Sergei Aleinik’s three-day visit to Moscow would begin on Monday.
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