Belarus President reappears amid health speculation

President Lukashenko arrived at the Belarusian air force headquarters after nearly a week of not appearing at public events.

The Pul Pervogo Telegram account, which specializes in posting the activities of Belarusian leaders, today published photos of President Alexander Lukashenko visiting the headquarters of the air defense and air force.

In the photo, Mr Lukashenkov is seen wearing a military uniform and listening to a report from an officer at headquarters. His left wrist appears to have a bandage.

Belarusian state media earlier reported that he would visit the air force headquarters and receive a report on air defense operations. This was President Lukashenko's first appearance in nearly a week, amid widespread speculation about his health.

President Lukashenko (right) receives a report from an officer at the Belarusian air force headquarters. Photo: Telegram/Pul Pervogo — President Lukashenko (right) receives a report from an officer at the Belarusian air force headquarters. Photo: *Telegram/Pul Pervogo*

President Lukashenko attended Victory Day celebrations in Moscow on May 9. After watching the parade on Red Square, he drove to the Unknown Soldier Monument about 300 meters away to lay flowers, while Russian President Vladimir Putin walked there with the leaders of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

Mr Lukashenko then left Moscow, without attending a luncheon hosted by President Putin at the Kremlin. Many journalists described Mr Lukashenko as looking tired. The Belarusian president also attended Victory Day events in the capital Minsk but did not speak as usual.

Belarusian Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko on May 14 read a congratulatory message to the people of the country on behalf of President Lukashenko at the annual televised ceremony where young people pledge allegiance to the national flag.

Opposition news agency Euroradio said Mr Lukashenko was taken to a hospital in Minsk on May 13. Russian media quoted Russian MP Konstantin Zatulin as saying that "Mr Lukashenko is simply ill and probably needs to rest".

Mr Lukashenko has led Belarus since 1994 and is a close ally of Mr Putin. The Belarusian president has allowed Russia to use its territory to send troops into Ukraine.

Vu Anh (According to BelTA, Reuters )

Source link