Page 37 - Lukashenko News Today

A spate of speculation on the health of Belarus strongman Alexander Lukashenko follows similar reports about would-be Vladimir Putin illnesses. Such talk feeds the hope of the Russian opposition and many in the West. Ukrainians have a different agenda — and timetable.

A Belarusian state news channel released a photo of Lukashenko, 68, at what it said was a military command center in what would be his first public appearance in almost a week.

The exiled opposition leader of reclusive Belarus on Monday called on the public to be "prepared" for political change following reports speculating on the declining health of strongman Alexander Lukashenko.

Belarus president Alexander Lukashenko re-appeared in public on Monday (May 15) after nearly a week-long absence sparking reports of health concerns. Lukashenko said that Belarus had been put on high alert, adding that four aircrafts had reportedly been shot out of the sky in southern Russia. Lukashenko, 68, visited the ex-Soviet country's air force central command. He looked grim, wore a military uniform and had a bandage on his hand.

A Belarusian state news channel released a photo of Lukashenko, 68, at what it said was a military command center in what would be his first public appearance in almost a week.

Belarus strongman Alexander Lukashenko on Sunday skipped festivities celebrating the ex-Soviet countrys state symbols following reports focusing on his health.

The autocratic politician, 68, usually speaks publicly at the annual National Flag, Emblem and Anthem Day event but his prime minister read a message on his behalf on Sunday.

The 68-year-old leader and ally of Putin has not been seen in public for the past five days.

Lukashenko hijacked a plane to capture a critic of his Belarus government.

The exiled opposition leader said the trial as “fake” and that Protasevich had been “the regime’s hostage since the Ryanair hijacking.”