Is the “Last Dictator in Europe” Sick?

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📈 Top News of This Week

• Following the arrest of Pakistan's former PM Imran Khan, his supporters engaged in violent protests, demanding his release.

  • In response, the government called in the army to restore order, initially attempting to do so by blocking access to social media through the shutdown of phone data services.

• Russia blames the US and Ukraine for orchestrating a car bombing on May 6 that wounded a pro-war activist Prilepin and killed his driver.

• At the PABSEC conference in Turkey, Ukrainian lawmaker Marikovski punched Russian official Stavitsky in the head several times after the latter snatched a Ukrainian flag from him.

• Russia celebrates “Victory Day,” which marks the end of WW2, even as President Putin continues to pursue military action in Ukraine.

• In addition to raiding Mintz Group in March, China has recently raided another consultancy firm, Capvision.

🩹 Is the “Last Dictator in Europe” Sick?

What happened: Belarus' President didn't look too good during Russia's Victory Day parade, appearing tired and uncomfortable. After the parade, he was rushed back to Belarus, with an ambulance reportedly following Lukashenko's convoy to the airport.

Theories: 

1. Lukashenko has been poisoned.

   While there are rumors about the president being poisoned during the parade, he had been seen looking unwell on several occasions prior to this event, so this seems unlikely.

2. Lukashenko is suffering from a terminal ill.

   In a picture taken at the parade, his right hand appears to be bandaged, which some speculate is for holding an IV catheter, a plastic tube inserted into a vein to administer medications.

3. Lukashenko is physically unwell.

   Belarus' opposition politician Latushko told NV Radio that the president needs urgent knee surgery, while other sources also suggest he has a severe spine problem that forces him to rely on painkillers. Latushko claims that such a spine surgery cannot be performed in Belarus or even Russia. It has to be performed in the West.
   
   This is terrible news for Lukashenko.

Consequence: Since Lukashenko had to be sent back to Minsk after the parade, he unfortunately couldn't attend a breakfast with Putin and other guest leaders.

If you are behind on the Russian army's hectic debacle this week, check out our latest thread. 👇🏻