Łukašenka misses state symbols event

May 14, BPN. Alaksandr Łukašenka has not attended the state symbols ceremony in Minsk traditionally held on the second Sunday of May.  

Prime Minister Raman Hałoŭčanka addressed the participants on his behalf, the government’s press office reported.

On May 9, Łukašenka attended the Victory Day parade at Moscow’s Red Square. Footage circulated by the Russian media shows that his arm was bandaged. It was difficult for him to move around. He was driven to a wreath laying site, whereas the other Eurasian leaders arrived on foot, and skipped the “informal breakfast” hosted by Vladimir Putin.

In the evening, Łukašenka participated in a wreath laying ceremony at Victory Square in Minsk but stopped short of making a speech, which was unusual and occurred for the first time during his rule. Defense Minister Viktar Chrenin was the primary speaker. The ceremony, broadcast by state television, lasted just 20 minutes.

Łukašenka has not appeared in public since May 9.

On May 13, he might have visited a hospital in Ždanovičy near Minsk, Euroradio reported.

On the same day, opposition politician Pavieł Łatuška called on Belarusian patriots loyal to Łukašenka “to take the side of the people and democratic forces.” The resistance group ByPol said it had a secret action plan that will be activated as soon as Łukašenka dies.