Lukashenko admits health struggles amid persistent rumours

Alexander Lukashenko has admitted for the first time that he has health problems. Due to nagging leg pain, he plans to walk less and drive more. However, he emphasized that he "is not planning to die just yet."

Rumours about the poor health of the Belarusian dictator frequently circulate in the media. Recently, a photo of Alexander Lukashenko with Vladimir Putin gained widespread attention. Belarusian oppositionist Pavel Latushka reported that according to their sources, the dictator suffers from diabetes and suggested that he may die soon. "Will the democratic world be ready to support the Belarusians on this decisive day?" Latushka asked.

On August 2nd, Lukashenko visited the Mazyr district to see how the work on removing the effects of the hurricane, which passed over the southeastern part of Belarus in July, was progressing. According to Gazeta By, during the visit, the dictator addressed the long-standing rumours about his health and officially admitted for the first time that he has problems.

"Well, sometimes I limp, my leg hurts. They can't fix my joint," Lukashenko said. He added that "it's not that bad" because "they will transport him where he can't get to." At the same time, the dictator, who is about to turn 70, insisted that he is "not dying yet."

Contrary to Lukashenko's claims, other health problems are also apparent: the politician often cannot hide his head trembling. The service notes that the inspection of the hurricane-affected areas took place only two days after Lukashenko's arrival and that it was from the helicopter—at least according to the Belarusian broadcaster because Gazeta By suggests that Lukashenko might not have been on board at all.