Russian leader Vladimir Putin has honored Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko with the Order of St. Andrew – for his services to the strategic partnership between the two countries.
Russia’s highest award was presented on Lukashenko’s 70th birthday. He is an important ally of Putin in the war against Ukraine. Lukashenko makes parts of his territory available for the attack, and in Belarus too the arms industry is running at full speed.
Putin has now praised the neighboring ruler as a “wise politician” who makes far-sighted decisions in difficult situations. However, the exiled Belarusian opposition accuses Lukashenko of the most serious human rights violations, including the torture of political prisoners in the country’s prison camps. He has recently released dozens of political prisoners and also pardoned a German sentenced to death for espionage.
In power for decades
Lukashenko is considered the “last dictator of Europe” and is the only one on the continent who still carries out the death penalty. In June, he celebrated his 30th anniversary as president. He is expected to run for president again next year.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
