Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko ‘is being rushed to Moscow hospital as he falls seriously ill for the second time in a month after collapsing on 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 fallen seriously ill in Moscow for the second time this month, reports say.
The 68-year-old was said to have been hospitalized in ‘critical’ condition after collapsing during a trip to meet his closest ally Vladimir Putin.
He was seen last week struggling to speak and with a bandaged arm after disappearing from the public eye on May 9, sparking rumors about his health.
Despite efforts by local authorities to end speculation with photos and videos of the leader performing duties on May 15, doctors are once again expressing health concerns.
His office previously declined to comment.
Lukashenko (L) is one of Putin’s (R) closest allies since last year’s invasion of Ukraine
Belarusian opposition leader Valery Tsepkalo said: “According to the information we have, which needs additional confirmation, Lukashenko – after meeting with Putin behind closed doors – was rushed to the Central Clinical Hospital in Moscow, where he is now established.’
His condition was assessed as ‘critical’ by leading Russian doctors and his blood was ‘purified’. He was not considered fit to travel back to Belarus.
According to reports, his plane was turned back on the hour-long flight to Minsk to mask his hospitalization in Moscow.
Lukashenko is Putin’s closest ally during the war in Ukraine – but there is already speculation that he could have been poisoned by Russian secret services who may be seeking an even more obedient leader in charge in Minsk.
Tsepkalo said: “The organized measures to rescue the Belarusian dictator were designed to ward off speculation about the Kremlin’s possible participation in his poisoning.
“It doesn’t matter if he goes back to work or not, doctors warn of a possible recurrence of relapses.”
Falling ill earlier this month, Lukashenko insisted on being rushed back to Minsk amid rumors he did not trust Russian doctors.
He underwent surgery in Minsk and looked weak and drowsy afterwards.
On May 15, authorities released the media about him in uniform, apparently in an attempt to put an end to speculation about his health.
He was found to have a catheter on his arm in both Moscow and Minsk.
Lukashenko said last week before traveling back to Moscow for the annual Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) summit that he was suffering from the “adenovirus,” adding: “So I don’t intend to die, guys.”
He would “hurt” his enemies for a long time, he said.
About his current condition, Belarusian political analyst Dmitry Bolkunets said: “Information about the deterioration of Lukashenko’s health is confirmed.
“He’s in the Central Clinical Hospital in Moscow. They’re trying to get him on his feet and show it to the public.’
He said that Lukashenko could be removed from office in case of threat to his life.
“Powers will be transferred to Natalya Kochanova [speaker of the upper house of parliament] or the collective Security Council.’
The 62-year-old Kochanova is seen as the Belarusian Iron Lady, loyal to Lukashenko and Putin.
BNEIntelliNews said analysts believed poisoning ordered by Putin was “highly unlikely” as “the Kremlin does not want Belarus thrown into chaos by a succession battle and, above all, does not want to see another presidential election that could trigger a new wave of mass protests . to those that followed the massively rigged August 2020 elections that returned Lukashenko to office.”
The rightful president of Belarus is Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who was robbed of victory in 2020 due to Lukashenko falsifying the poll.
With Lukashenko’s latest illness, she said people should be “ready for any scenario.”
Lukashenko (C) arrives for a meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council on May 25
Lukashenko announced earlier this week that Moscow’s nuclear weapons would be stationed in his country, a move NATO described as “dangerous and irresponsible” nuclear rhetoric.
Belarus, in Eastern Europe, borders three NATO members in addition to Ukraine and Russia.
The US said it would “monitor” the moves, but White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre added that “we have not seen any reason to change our own nuclear stance … nor any indication that Russia is prepared to use nuclear weapons from Belarus.’