Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko ‘is rushed to hospital in Moscow as he falls seriously ill for the second time in a month after collapsing during a trip to Russia’
- Lukashenko mysteriously disappeared from the public eye earlier this month
- Reports now say the Belarusian dictator has fallen ill again, too ill to travel
Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko has been gravely ill for the second time this month in Moscow, according to reports.
The 68-year-old was reportedly hospitalized in “critical” condition after collapsing on a trip to meet his close ally Vladimir Putin.
He was seen struggling to speak and with a bandaged arm last week after disappearing from the public eye on May 9, sparking rumors surrounding his health.
Despite efforts by local authorities to end speculation with photographs and videos of the leader in office on May 15, doctors are again raising health concerns.
His office had previously declined to comment.
Lukashenko (L) has been one of Putin’s (R) closest allies since invading Ukraine last year
Belarusian opposition leader Valery Tsepkalo said: “According to the information we have, which requires further confirmation, Lukashenko – after meeting Putin behind closed doors – was rushed to the central clinical hospital in Moscow, where he is now.’
His condition was assessed by prominent Russian doctors as “critical” and his blood was “purified”. He was deemed unfit to return to Belarus.
Reports say his plane was diverted on the hour-long flight to Minsk to mask his hospitalization in Moscow.
Lukashenko is Putin’s closest ally in the war in Ukraine – but there is already speculation he could have been poisoned by Russian intelligence who may be looking for an even more obedient leader in charge in Minsk.
Tsepkalo said: “The measures organized to save the Belarusian dictator were aimed at warding off speculation about the possible involvement of the Kremlin in his poisoning.
“Whether or not he returns to working condition, doctors are warning of a possible recurrence of relapses.”
When he fell ill earlier this month, Lukashenko insisted on being sent back to Minsk, amid rumors he did not trust Russian doctors.
He underwent surgery in Minsk and appeared weak and groggy afterwards.
On May 15, authorities released media of him in uniform in an apparent attempt to quell speculation about his health.
Both in Moscow and in Minsk, he seemed to have a catheter in his arm.
Lukashenko said before returning to Moscow last week for the annual Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) summit that he was suffering from “adenovirus”, adding: “So I’m not planning to die, guys. “
He would “torment” his enemies for a long time, he said.
On his current condition, Belarusian political analyst Dmitry Bolkunets said: “Reports about Lukashenko’s deteriorating health are confirmed.
“He is in the Central Clinical Hospital in Moscow. They are trying to put it back on its feet and show it to the public.
He said that “in the event of a threat to his life, Lukashenko could be removed from office.
‘Powers will be transferred to Natalya Kochanova [speaker of the upper house of parliament] or the Collective Security Council.
Kochanova, 62, is considered the Belarusian Iron Lady, loyal to Lukashenko and Putin.
BNEIntelliNews said analysts believed a poisoning on Putin’s orders was “highly unlikely” since “the Kremlin does not want to see Belarus thrown into chaos by a succession struggle and above all would not like to see new elections presidential elections that could trigger a new wave of similar mass protests”. to those following the massively rigged August 2020 elections that returned Lukashenko to power.”
The rightful president of Belarus is Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya who was robbed of victory in 2020 by Lukashenko who rigged the ballot.
With Lukashenko’s latest illness, she said people had to “be prepared for any scenario”.
Lukashenko (C) arrives for a meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council, May 25
Lukashenko announced earlier this week that Moscow’s nuclear weapons were stationed in his country, a move NATO called “dangerous and irresponsible” nuclear rhetoric.
Belarus, in Eastern Europe, borders three NATO members in addition to Ukraine and Russia.
The United States said it would “monitor” the moves, but White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre added that “we saw no reason to adjust our own nuclear posture. .nor any indication that Russia is prepared to use nuclear weapons from Belarus.’
