Alexander Lukashenko

Alexander Grigoryevich Lukashenko is a Belarusian politician who has been the president of Belarus since the office's establishment in 1994, currently the longest in Europe.
alexander-lukashenko

Some of the key events about Alexander Lukashenko

  • 1975
    Graduated from Mogilev State Pedagogical Institute with a degree in history
  • 1990
    Elected as a deputy to the Supreme Soviet of Belarus
  • 1994
    Won Belarus's first presidential election as an independent candidate
  • 1995
    Initiated the referendum that made Russian an official language in Belarus
  • 1995
    Ordered the shooting down of a hot air balloon that accidentally crossed into Belarusian airspace, killing two American citizens
  • 1996
    Dissolved the democratically elected parliament and replaced it with a loyal assembly
  • 1999
    Orchestrated the disappearance of several prominent opposition figures
  • 2000
    Established the Belarus-Russia Union State to promote closer ties between the two countries
  • 2004
    Held a referendum to remove presidential term limits, allowing indefinite rule
  • 2006
    Oversaw the completion of the National Library of Belarus, a significant cultural landmark
  • 2006
    Oversaw a presidential election widely condemned as fraudulent by international observers
  • 2010
    Signed a decree to create the Hi-Tech Park, promoting IT sector development in Belarus
  • 2010
    Violently suppressed protests following another disputed presidential election
  • 2012
    Expelled the Swedish ambassador and closed the Swedish embassy in Minsk in retaliation for a pro-democracy stunt
  • 2014
    Hosted peace talks in Minsk between Russia and Ukraine, known as the Minsk agreements
  • 2015
    Pardoned six opposition figures who were considered political prisoners
  • 2020
    Oversaw Belarus's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, keeping the economy largely open
  • 2020
    Claimed a landslide victory in an election widely regarded as rigged, sparking mass protests
  • 2021
    Forced the landing of a Ryanair flight to arrest a dissident journalist on board
  • 2022
    Allowed Russian forces to use Belarus as a staging ground for the invasion of Ukraine

Disclaimer: This material is written based on information taken from open sources, including Wikipedia, news media, podcasts, and other public sources.

Alexander Lukashenko Latest news

Lukashenko Pardons 37 Political Prisoners in Belarus Ahead of 2025 Election

Lukashenko Pardons 37 Political Prisoners in Belarus Ahead of 2025 Election

September 16 2024 , 03:07 PM  •  717 views
Belarusian Activist's Health Deteriorates as Lukashenko Releases Some Prisoners

Belarusian Activist's Health Deteriorates as Lukashenko Releases Some Prisoners

September 13 2024 , 10:35 PM  •  799 views
Belarus Intensifies Crackdown on Exiles as 2025 Election Looms

Belarus Intensifies Crackdown on Exiles as 2025 Election Looms

September 10 2024 , 04:21 AM  •  813 views
Polish Prosecutors Charge Belarusian Officials for 2021 Plane Diversion

Polish Prosecutors Charge Belarusian Officials for 2021 Plane Diversion

September 6 2024 , 01:20 PM  •  491 views
Japanese Teacher Detained in Belarus on Espionage Allegations

Japanese Teacher Detained in Belarus on Espionage Allegations

September 6 2024 , 11:49 AM  •  391 views
Japanese National Detained in Belarus on Suspicion of Espionage

Japanese National Detained in Belarus on Suspicion of Espionage

September 5 2024 , 03:30 AM  •  1051 views
European Artists Rally Against Extradition of Belarusian Filmmaker

European Artists Rally Against Extradition of Belarusian Filmmaker

August 26 2024 , 03:33 PM  •  1258 views
Ukraine Urges Belarus to Withdraw Forces from Shared Border

Ukraine Urges Belarus to Withdraw Forces from Shared Border

August 25 2024 , 08:02 PM  •  2964 views
Ukraine Refutes Belarus' Claims of Troop Movements Along Shared Border

Ukraine Refutes Belarus' Claims of Troop Movements Along Shared Border

August 22 2024 , 04:27 PM  •  107 views
Belarus Claims Massive Ukrainian Troop Presence at Border, Deploys Forces

Belarus Claims Massive Ukrainian Troop Presence at Border, Deploys Forces

August 18 2024 , 10:25 AM  •  573 views
Lukashenko Pardons 30 Protesters Amid Ongoing Political Tensions in Belarus

Lukashenko Pardons 30 Protesters Amid Ongoing Political Tensions in Belarus

August 16 2024 , 07:44 PM  •  615 views
Lukashenko Urges Russia-Ukraine Talks Amid Border Tensions

Lukashenko Urges Russia-Ukraine Talks Amid Border Tensions

August 15 2024 , 05:57 PM  •  382 views
Belarus Bolsters Border Forces Amid Alleged Ukrainian Drone Incursions

Belarus Bolsters Border Forces Amid Alleged Ukrainian Drone Incursions

August 10 2024 , 08:30 PM  •  1040 views
Belarus Summons Ukrainian Diplomat Over Alleged Airspace Violations

Belarus Summons Ukrainian Diplomat Over Alleged Airspace Violations

August 10 2024 , 04:52 PM  •  782 views
Russia Bolsters Border Security Amid Ukrainian Incursion

Russia Bolsters Border Security Amid Ukrainian Incursion

August 10 2024 , 11:11 AM  •  1154 views
EU and US Mark 4 Years Since Belarus Protests, Demand Prisoner Release

EU and US Mark 4 Years Since Belarus Protests, Demand Prisoner Release

August 9 2024 , 09:18 PM  •  1048 views
EU Imposes New Sanctions on Belarusian Officials for Human Rights Abuses

EU Imposes New Sanctions on Belarusian Officials for Human Rights Abuses

August 8 2024 , 07:40 AM  •  955 views
Belarusian-American's Prison Term Extended Amid Ongoing Crackdown

Belarusian-American's Prison Term Extended Amid Ongoing Crackdown

Yuras Zyankovich, a dual citizen, faces 13. 5 years in Belarus prison. His case highlights the country's intensifying suppression of dissent, with over 1,300 political prisoners currently detained.

Society, Politics • October 7 2024 , 06:17 PM  •  537 views
Belarus Court Sentences 12 for Drone Attack on Russian Military Plane

Belarus Court Sentences 12 for Drone Attack on Russian Military Plane

A Belarusian court has convicted 12 individuals for a drone attack on a Russian military radar plane, with sentences ranging up to 25 years. Most defendants were tried in absentia for the February 2023 incident.

Society, Politics • October 4 2024 , 08:19 PM  •  364 views
Belarusian Opposition Demands Release of 224 Political Prisoners

Belarusian Opposition Demands Release of 224 Political Prisoners

Exiled leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya calls for urgent release of political detainees in Belarus. Lukashenko's regime faces criticism for ongoing repression since disputed 2020 election.

Society, Politics • October 3 2024 , 04:29 PM  •  419 views
Belarus Accused of Coercing Pardoned Political Prisoners

Belarus Accused of Coercing Pardoned Political Prisoners

Human rights groups claim Belarus is pressuring pardoned political activists, forcing them to cooperate with authorities. Only 115 out of 1,300 prisoners have been released.

Society, Politics • September 30 2024 , 09:55 PM  •  194 views
Lithuania Urges ICC Probe into Belarus for Alleged Human Rights Abuses

Lithuania Urges ICC Probe into Belarus for Alleged Human Rights Abuses

Lithuania has called on the International Criminal Court to investigate Belarus for alleged crimes against humanity under Alexander Lukashenko's rule. The move comes amid claims of forced deportations and persecution.

Society, Politics • September 30 2024 , 09:19 PM  •  130 views
Belarus Publisher Honored for Defending Belarusian Language Despite Persecution

Belarus Publisher Honored for Defending Belarusian Language Despite Persecution

A Belarusian publishing house, now operating from Poland due to government persecution, receives a prestigious award from U. S. publishers for its courage in promoting Belarusian literature.

Politics, Culture • September 27 2024 , 12:16 PM  •  778 views
Polish Court Jails Ukrainian and Belarusian for Russian Espionage

Polish Court Jails Ukrainian and Belarusian for Russian Espionage

A Polish court has sentenced two foreign nationals for spying for Russia. The individuals were part of a larger network targeting information on military aid to Ukraine.

Politics • September 27 2024 , 10:32 AM  •  116 views
Belarus Intensifies Crackdown on Teachers Linked to Online Education Project

Belarus Intensifies Crackdown on Teachers Linked to Online Education Project

Belarusian authorities detain and interrogate teachers associated with an online education project deemed extremist. The move is part of a broader suppression of dissent in the country.

Society, Politics • September 18 2024 , 04:33 PM  •  634 views
Russian Dissident Addresses U.S. Senate, New Act to Support Democracy

Russian Dissident Addresses U.S. Senate, New Act to Support Democracy

Recently freed Russian activist Vladimir Kara-Murza speaks at U. S. Senate event. Senator Ben Cardin to introduce Bridge Act, aiming to protect democracy advocates in Russia and Belarus.

Society, Politics • September 17 2024 , 09:37 PM  •  772 views
Belarusian Filmmaker Fights Extradition from Serbia, Backed by Global Artists

Belarusian Filmmaker Fights Extradition from Serbia, Backed by Global Artists

Andrei Hniot, a Belarusian filmmaker, appeals against extradition from Serbia, supported by over 780 artists worldwide. Facing alleged fabricated charges, Hniot fears for his safety if returned to Belarus.

Politics, Culture • September 16 2024 , 03:13 PM  •  669 views
Lukashenko Pardons 37 Political Prisoners in Belarus Ahead of 2025 Election

Lukashenko Pardons 37 Political Prisoners in Belarus Ahead of 2025 Election

Belarusian President Lukashenko pardoned 37 political prisoners, marking the fourth such action since July. Over 1,300 remain incarcerated as the authoritarian leader potentially seeks to soften his image before the 2025 election.

Society, Politics • September 16 2024 , 03:07 PM  •  717 views
Belarusian Activist's Health Deteriorates as Lukashenko Releases Some Prisoners

Belarusian Activist's Health Deteriorates as Lukashenko Releases Some Prisoners

Maria Kalesnikava, a prominent Belarusian opposition figure, faces critical health conditions in prison. Meanwhile, President Lukashenko has freed some political detainees, raising questions about potential policy shifts.

Society, Politics • September 13 2024 , 10:35 PM  •  799 views
Belarus Intensifies Crackdown on Exiles as 2025 Election Looms

Belarus Intensifies Crackdown on Exiles as 2025 Election Looms

Over 500,000 Belarusians have fled their homeland since 2020, facing intimidation abroad. President Lukashenko's regime ramps up pressure on dissidents as the 2025 election approaches, using international warrants and threats.

Society, Politics • September 10 2024 , 04:21 AM  •  813 views
Polish Prosecutors Charge Belarusian Officials for 2021 Plane Diversion

Polish Prosecutors Charge Belarusian Officials for 2021 Plane Diversion

Polish authorities have charged three Belarusian officials for diverting a plane to arrest a dissident in 2021. The incident, involving a false bomb threat, led to international condemnation and sanctions against Belarus.

Society, Politics • September 6 2024 , 01:20 PM  •  491 views
Japanese Teacher Detained in Belarus on Espionage Allegations

Japanese Teacher Detained in Belarus on Espionage Allegations

A Japanese national faces espionage charges in Belarus for allegedly photographing infrastructure. Japan protests the arrest, citing human rights concerns in the case.

Society, Politics • September 6 2024 , 11:49 AM  •  391 views
Japanese National Detained in Belarus on Suspicion of Espionage

Japanese National Detained in Belarus on Suspicion of Espionage

Belarusian authorities have detained a Japanese man for alleged intelligence gathering. The incident marks the first time a Japanese national has been implicated in such activities in Belarus.

Politics • September 5 2024 , 03:30 AM  •  1051 views
European Artists Rally Against Extradition of Belarusian Filmmaker

European Artists Rally Against Extradition of Belarusian Filmmaker

Over 70 European artists urge Serbia not to extradite Belarusian filmmaker Andrei Hniot to Belarus, citing risks of torture. The case highlights ongoing political repression under Lukashenko's regime.

Society, Politics • August 26 2024 , 03:33 PM  •  1258 views
Ukraine Urges Belarus to Withdraw Forces from Shared Border

Ukraine Urges Belarus to Withdraw Forces from Shared Border

Ukraine calls on Belarus to pull back troops and equipment from their common border, warning against "tragic mistakes". Belarus claims Ukraine has deployed significant forces along the frontier.

Politics • August 25 2024 , 08:02 PM  •  2964 views
Ukraine Refutes Belarus' Claims of Troop Movements Along Shared Border

Ukraine Refutes Belarus' Claims of Troop Movements Along Shared Border

Ukraine's border service reports no signs of Belarusian military activity near their shared frontier, contradicting Belarus' claims of increased deployments. The situation remains unchanged amid ongoing tensions.

Politics • August 22 2024 , 04:27 PM  •  107 views
Belarus Claims Massive Ukrainian Troop Presence at Border, Deploys Forces

Belarus Claims Massive Ukrainian Troop Presence at Border, Deploys Forces

Belarus' Lukashenko alleges 120,000 Ukrainian troops at border, deploys forces in response. Tensions rise amid recent Ukrainian incursion into Russia, with Belarus warning of potential provocations.

Politics • August 18 2024 , 10:25 AM  •  573 views
Lukashenko Pardons 30 Protesters Amid Ongoing Political Tensions in Belarus

Lukashenko Pardons 30 Protesters Amid Ongoing Political Tensions in Belarus

Belarus' President Lukashenko pardons 30 protest-related prisoners. Opposition leader Tsikhanouskaya welcomes the move but vows to continue fighting for the release of nearly 1,400 remaining political detainees.

Society, Politics • August 16 2024 , 07:44 PM  •  615 views
Lukashenko Urges Russia-Ukraine Talks Amid Border Tensions

Lukashenko Urges Russia-Ukraine Talks Amid Border Tensions

Belarusian President Lukashenko calls for negotiations between Russia and Ukraine to prevent conflict spillover. He accuses the West of prolonging the war and warns against potential attacks on Belarus.

Society, Politics • August 15 2024 , 05:57 PM  •  382 views
Belarus Bolsters Border Forces Amid Alleged Ukrainian Drone Incursions

Belarus Bolsters Border Forces Amid Alleged Ukrainian Drone Incursions

Belarus reinforces its border with Ukraine, citing airspace violations. Diplomatic tensions rise as Belarus demands action from Ukraine and threatens to reconsider its diplomatic presence in Minsk.

Politics • August 10 2024 , 08:30 PM  •  1040 views
Belarus Summons Ukrainian Diplomat Over Alleged Airspace Violations

Belarus Summons Ukrainian Diplomat Over Alleged Airspace Violations

Belarus summons Ukrainian charge d'affaires following claims of drone incursions. Lukashenko asserts destruction of Ukrainian drones, demanding measures to prevent future incidents and potential regional escalation.

Society, Politics • August 10 2024 , 04:52 PM  •  782 views
Russia Bolsters Border Security Amid Ukrainian Incursion

Russia Bolsters Border Security Amid Ukrainian Incursion

Russia implements counterterrorism measures in border regions following Ukrainian raid. Conflict escalates with missile strikes and high civilian casualties, raising concerns of wider spread.

Society, Politics • August 10 2024 , 11:11 AM  •  1154 views
EU and US Mark 4 Years Since Belarus Protests, Demand Prisoner Release

EU and US Mark 4 Years Since Belarus Protests, Demand Prisoner Release

On the fourth anniversary of Belarus's 2020 protests, the EU and US call for political prisoner release and reaffirm support for democratic aspirations. New sanctions target individuals and entities supporting Russia's war efforts.

Society, Politics • August 9 2024 , 09:18 PM  •  1048 views
EU Imposes New Sanctions on Belarusian Officials for Human Rights Abuses

EU Imposes New Sanctions on Belarusian Officials for Human Rights Abuses

The European Union has sanctioned 28 Belarusian officials for human rights violations, freezing assets and imposing travel bans. This action comes just before the anniversary of the disputed 2020 election.

Society, Politics • August 8 2024 , 07:40 AM  •  955 views