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Why It Matters:
Lukashenko, known as “Europe’s last dictator,” took power in 1994 and has since become one of Putin’s closest allies. He played a major role assisting Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, even though his troops haven’t directly joined the war. Belarus has used its territory to stage Russian military exercises, and helped launch the invasion.
While Lukashenko’s ties to Russia have long acted as an impediment, Belarus has occasionally tried to strengthen ties with the West. However, his strong alignment with Russia has hindered these efforts.
Lukashenko took power in 1994, making him the only post-Soviet leader Belarus has ever had. The U.S. State Department was not immediately available for comment on Lukashenko’s decision.
In This Pool Photograph:
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko is pictured in Minsk, Belarus, on June 27. (Sergei Bobylyov/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
What To Know:
Lukashenko ended a period of speculation by clarifying his intentions. He suggested that while the new president might chart a different course for the country, they “shouldn’t just throw things overboard straight away.”
This announcement followed victory in an election earlier this year, with Lukashenko’s current term not set to end until 2030. The election in 2020 sparked the largest protests in Belarus’ history, lasting months and resulting in more than 65,000 arrests and sanctions from the West. Many believe the election was rigged.
Last year, Lukashenko hinted that he could be leaving office by saying the public might need to “get used to the idea that there will be a different president.”
In This Pool Photograph:
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko visit Valaam Monastery on Valaam island in northern Russia’s Lake Ladoga on August 1. (Gavriil Grigorov/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Where Is Belarus?
Belarus is a post-Soviet state bordering Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia. It is a landlocked country with scattered lakes.
Why Did Belarus Split From Russia?
Belarus left the Soviet Union in 1990 as part of its dissolution and declared full independence shortly after Russia survived the failed August Coup when Communists tried to seize control of the remnants of the union.
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When did Alexander Lukashenko take power in Belarus?
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