Belarus Putin relies on cooperation with ruler Lukashenko
Following the election in Belarus, Russia's head of state Vladimir Putin is focusing on closer cooperation with ruler Alexander Lukashenko.
27.01.2025, 09:58
27.01.2025, 09:59
SDA
Even though Lukashenko's confirmation for a seventh term in office was a foregone conclusion in the vote, which was criticized as not being free, Putin spoke of a "convincing victory" in his congratulatory telegram.
The Kremlin leader wrote that they wanted to work together to expand Russian-Belarusian cooperation and drive forward the integration processes in the Eurasian region. "You are always a welcome guest on Russian soil."
Lukashenko (70) has ruled Belarus as a dictator for more than 30 years. He has tied the ex-Soviet republic ever closer to Russia - especially since he almost lost power in mass protests in 2020. After Sunday's vote, the electoral administration in Minsk credited him with an alleged 86.82 percent of the vote, more than ever before. Lukashenko announced on Sunday that his first trip would take him back to Russia.
