Opposition politician: Łukašenka may have severe viral infection

May 15, BPN. Alaksandr Łukašenka might have myocarditis caused by infection, Pavieł Łatuška of the National Anti-Crisis Management (NAM) said on May 14 in a video address citing his source.

The Belarusian leader appeared to be sick at the May 9 Victory Day parade at Moscow’s Red Square. Footage circulated by the Russian media shows that his arm was bandaged. He struggled to move around and was driven to a wreath laying site, whereas the other Eurasian leaders arrived on foot. He also skipped the “informal breakfast” hosted by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

In the evening, Łukašenka showed up at 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 was said to visit a hospital in Ždanovičy near Minsk, Euroradio reported.

Later the same day, Łatuška called on Belarusian officials 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.