Lukashenko's charm offensive at Moscow's Victory Day amid Ukraine conflict
"You and I still look not bad" said Alexander Lukashenko upon greeting Vladimir Putin. The Belarusian dictator took part in the Victory Day celebrations in Moscow.
On May 9, at 3 AM Eastern Time, a military parade marched through Red Square in Moscow to mark the 79th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany. In the 21st Victory Day Parade, watched by Putin as the president of Russia, more than 9,000 soldiers and over 70 military vehicles participated.
Leaders from Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan were among the guests.
Lukashenko ingratiates himself with Putin
On the eve of the parade, Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko met with Vladimir Putin. A video of their greeting, showing Lukashenko ingratiating himself to the Russian dictator, has been circulating on social media. "We still look pretty good," Lukashenko flatters Putin.
According to Russian media, Putin discussed Ukraine and the situation at the front with Lukashenko until 8 PM Eastern Time, involving Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Chief of the General Staff of Russia, Gen. Valery Gerasimov, in the conversation.
Earlier, Putin announced that Belarus would join Russia's nuclear exercises. "The Belarusian side will participate in one of them at the request of President Lukashenko," he stated.
Source: BiełTA, X, Sputnik
