Belarus leader Lukashenko's absence at ceremony sparks health speculation
NBCMAY 2023
As Lukashenko's health reportedly deteriorates, so does his iron grip on Belarus. The international community must be ready to support the nation's transition to democracy before another Kremlin-backed puppet is installed to take his place. The struggle for democracy that began in 2020 cannot be left unfinished, as this could be a once-in-a-generation chance for Europe's oldest dictatorship to be vanquished.
Media outlets have been outrageously irresponsible in spreading rumors about Lukashenko's health, which have come to be false, even though Minsk hadn't reported any problems with his condition. In the face of the mounting of fake news, it's crucial to rely on official reports.