Not many world leaders have been in power for 30 years.
Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus is accused of stealing elections, crushing the opposition and dismantling democracy.
The UK, EU and US do not recognize the legitimate president of Belarus.
There is something else you should know about him: if there is a leader who knows Vladimir Putin inside out, Lukashenko. The two men have known each other for years and meet regularly.
Alexander Lukashenko met me on the sidelines of the Brics conference on emerging economies. He wants Belarus to become a member.
I asked him to comment they say that North Korea has sent troops to fight against Russia in Ukraine.
“Rubbish,” answered Lukashenko. “Knowing his character, Putin will never try to persuade another country to include its troops in Russia’s special operation in Ukraine.”
“And if the reports are confirmed?” I asked.
“It would be a step towards the escalation of the conflict if the armed forces of any country, even Belarus, are on the line of communication,” answered Alexander Lukashenko.
“Even if we go to war, this can be a way to spread. Why? Because you, the Anglo-Saxons, will immediately say that another country is involved in one side… so Nato troops will be sent to Ukraine.”
I ask him if Vladimir Putin ever asked Lukashenko to supply the Belarusian army for the Kremlin’s war in Ukraine.
“Never. Or him, or [former Defence Minister] Sergei Shoigu, or the current Minister of Defense Andrei Belousov once raised that question. “
But Belarus took part in the Russian war. In February 2022, Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine was launched, in part, from Belarusian territory. Why did the leader of the country allow the Kremlin to do that?
“How do you know that I gave permission for Belarusian territory to be used?” Lukashenko asks me.
“Because Belarusian territory was used [for the invasion].”
“There were exercises involving thousands of Russian soldiers. Putin began withdrawing these troops from southern Belarus, down the road, near the Ukrainian border.
“At one point he redirected some of these troops to Kyiv. I’m sure they were upset. It’s up to Putin how he withdraws his troops. Through Kyiv. Even if he went through Minsk.”
“Didn’t you call Phuthini and ask him what’s going on?” Please.
“No. He didn’t call me. And I didn’t call him. These are his soldiers and he has the right to take them out any way he wants.”
Those comments show the extent of influence the Kremlin has in neighboring Belarus.
Another example: Russia has installed strategic nuclear weapons in Belarus.
“Is Putin ready to use those weapons in the war in Ukraine?” Please.
“Putin will never use weapons placed in Belarus without the permission of the Belarusian president,” Lukashenko said.
“Are you ready to allow the use of nuclear weapons?”
“I am completely ready, otherwise why do I have these weapons? But only if one button [foreign] soldier enters Belarus. We have no plans to attack anyone.”
Human rights organizations estimate that there are currently 1,300 political prisoners in Belarus.
Alexander Lukashenko once told me that he did not exist.
But speaking to me today (perhaps unintentionally) he used the expression “political prisoner”, when talking about the small number that have been released in recent months.
Some analysts interpreted the release as a message from Lukashenko to the West that he wants better relations.
He denies that.
He says: “We released political prisoners for reasons of helping people. “Most of them were elderly and sick people. That’s all.
“This is not a move to improve relations with you. If you don’t want a relationship with us, that’s fine. We will live without you.”
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