Russian intelligence apparently prevented an attack on ruler Alexander Lukashenko. The situation in Belarus remains tense.
Alyaksandr Ryhoravich Lukashenka has been the president of Belarus since July 20, 1994. He is often referred to by political scientists and observers as “Europe’s last dictator” because of his authoritarian style of government.
After the presidential election on August 9th last year, which was widely considered to be rigged, hundreds of thousands of people demanded Lukashenko’s resignation and new elections. The EU does not recognize Lukashenko as president and has imposed sanctions on the power apparatus in Minsk. However, he still relies on Russia as his most important ally.