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Image: Sergei Karpukhin/ITAR-TASS/IMAGOImage: Sergei Karpukhin/ITAR-TASS/IMAGO

Alexander Lukashenko

Alexander Lukashenko is the leader of Belarus. Since 2006, he and other Belarusian officials have been the subject of sanctions for human rights violations. The 2020 election was not recognized by the EU and others.

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All Content on this topic

Child's drawing of a woman and a child stranding on a green hill under the sun, flanked by two flags, with two missiles flying at them

Child's drawing of a woman and a child stranding on a green hill under the sun, flanked by two flags, with two missiles flying at them

Belarus detains Russian over daughter's Ukraine sketch

Alexei Moskalyov had fled house arrest in Russia before a court sentenced him to prison.

A Russian Iskander-K missile launched during a military exercise at a training ground in Russia

A Russian Iskander-K missile launched during a military exercise at a training ground in Russia

Russian tactical nukes in Belarus: What does this mean?

Russia will deploy tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus, the first time Moscow has based arms outside Russia in decades.

Launchers carrying Tochka tactical missiles

Launchers carrying Tochka tactical missiles

Ukraine updates: Kyiv slams Russia's Belarus nuclear plan

Kyiv says it wants UN Security Council action after Moscow said it would station tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus.

Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko, turned to his side, and Russian President Vladimir Putin, fully clear, in this picture

Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko, turned to his side, and Russian President Vladimir Putin, fully clear, in this picture

Russia to store tactical nuclear arms in Belarus

The Russian leader said he struck a deal to station tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, a first since the mid-1990s.

Marina Zolatava, former editor-in-chief of Art and Editorial Department at Tut.by media outlet, and Lydumila Chekina, former general director of Tut.by, in court Friday

Marina Zolatava, former editor-in-chief of Art and Editorial Department at Tut.by media outlet, and Lydumila Chekina, former general director of Tut.by, in court Friday

Belarus gives media outlet Tut.by staff long jail terms

The editor-in-chief Marina Zolotova and the general director Lyudmila Chekina received 12 years.

DW Podcast | Inside Europe | provisorisch f ROAD

DW Podcast | Inside Europe | provisorisch f ROAD

Inside Europe 16.03.2023

The Dutch provincial election brings farmers to the fore, all eyes on the skies after a US drone falls into the Black Sea, and the BBC reinstates Gary Lineker, but what about the corporation’s impartiality? Also: Turkish journalists struggle to be heard in the wake of the quake, Belarus' opposition sets up its own alternative embassy and French cinema goers revel in anti-revolutionary history.

Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya at a March 4, 2022 protest in Vilnius, Lithuania, against the Russian invasion of Ukraine

Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya at a March 4, 2022 protest in Vilnius, Lithuania, against the Russian invasion of Ukraine

Why is Ukraine distancing from Belarus' opposition?

The fates of Ukraine and Belarus are "intertwined," says exiled Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya.

Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko at a ceremony for graduates of military colleges

Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko at a ceremony for graduates of military colleges

Belarus approves death penalty for high treason

The Belarusian leader signed a law imposing the death penalty on civil servants and army personnel convicted of treason.

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

Belarus sentences exiled opposition leader to 15 years

A Belarusian court has sentenced opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya to 15 years in prison.

Nobel Prize winner Ales Bialiatski is seen in the defendants' cage in the courtroom at the start of the hearing in Minsk on January 5

Nobel Prize winner Ales Bialiatski is seen in the defendants' cage in the courtroom at the start of the hearing in Minsk on January 5

Belarus court jails Nobel winner Bialiatski for 10 years

The pro-democracy activist founded Viasna, the most prominent human rights group in the country.

A Russian A-50 surveillance plane in mid-flight

A Russian A-50 surveillance plane in mid-flight

Are Belarusian 'guerrilla' activists targeting Russia?

Belarusian activists claim that they caused severe damage to a Russian surveillance plane in Belarus.

Alexander Lukashenko and Xi Jinping

Alexander Lukashenko and Xi Jinping

China, Belarus call for 'soonest possible' peace in Ukraine

Leaders Xi Jinping and Alexander Lukashenko were meeting in Beijing for a joint summit.

A plane of the Russian Defense Ministry carrying Belarusian units as part of the Peacekeeping Forces of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) departs from the Machulishchy airfield to Kazakhstan in January of last year

A plane of the Russian Defense Ministry carrying Belarusian units as part of the Peacekeeping Forces of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) departs from the Machulishchy airfield to Kazakhstan in January of last year

Ukraine updates: Belarus activists claim Russia A-50 attack

Russia said China's peace plan should be carefully analyzed. DW rounds up the latest.

DW Arts.21 (Sendungslogo Composite)

DW Arts.21 (Sendungslogo Composite)

Beethovenfest gets political

This year's Beethovenfest Bonn brings together musicians from Belarus, Ukraine and Germany.

Belarusian strongman Alexander Lukashenko

Belarusian strongman Alexander Lukashenko

Belarus strongman Alexander Lukashenko to visit China

China says it wants to work with Belarus to deepen mutual trust.

Belarusian strongman Alexander Lukashenko welcomes his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin at Minsk National Airport

Belarusian strongman Alexander Lukashenko welcomes his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin at Minsk National Airport

Russia plans Belarus 'absorption' by 2030 — media reports

A Russian presidential document was obtained by a group of international journalists who believe it is authentic.

Karyna Kazlouskaya prepares to fire an arrow

Karyna Kazlouskaya prepares to fire an arrow

Paris Olympics: Dissident Belarusians abandoned by IOC

Olympic organizers are facing growing criticism over plans to let Russians and Belarusians into the Paris Olympics.

A Belarusian soldier guards a helicopter at the Asipovichy military training ground during the Zapad 2017 military exercises

A Belarusian soldier guards a helicopter at the Asipovichy military training ground during the Zapad 2017 military exercises

Divided allegiances in Russia-Belarus relations

Russia counts on support from Belarus, its closest ally. But some Belarusians are backing Ukraine's war effort.

In the wake of the crackdown on dissent in Belarus, thousands of Belarusians fled to Ukraine.

In the wake of the crackdown on dissent in Belarus, thousands of Belarusians fled to Ukraine.

Belarusian exiles in Ukraine support war effort

After the crackdown on dissent in Belarus, thousands of Belarusians fled to Ukraine. Many have stayed despite the risks.

A soldier walks in a trench surrounded by piles of mud

A soldier walks in a trench surrounded by piles of mud

Ukraine bolsters defenses on Belarus border

Belarus and Russia have announced a weeklong training program for military staff.

A crowd of people stand in front of a large screen showing Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024

A crowd of people stand in front of a large screen showing Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024

Could Russian, Belarusian athletes compete at Paris Games?

Some Russian and Belarusian athletes may be a step closer to being allowed to return to international competition.

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Tsikhanouskaya: Belarusians don't want to fight Ukrainians

Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya doubts soldiers from Belarus will join Russia's forces in Ukraine.

Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

Belarus starts trial of opposition leader Tsikhanouskaya

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya ran for president in 2020 after her candidate husband's arrest, then relocated to Lithuania.

Andrzej Poczobut appears at the Grodno regional court on January 16, 2023

Andrzej Poczobut appears at the Grodno regional court on January 16, 2023

Polish-Belarusian journalist goes on trial in Belarus

Andrzej Poczobut's detention worsened relations between Poland and Belarus, and Warsaw is demanding his release.

A mural of Belarusian human rights defender Ales Bialiatski on a wall in Vilnius

A mural of Belarusian human rights defender Ales Bialiatski on a wall in Vilnius

Ales Bialiatski: Belarus begins trial of Nobel Prize winner

Ales Bialiatski faces a sentence of up to 12 years for charges of smuggling money to fund opposition activities.

A Belarusian soldier guards a helicopter a Belarus-Russia joint military training ground during in 2017

A Belarusian soldier guards a helicopter a Belarus-Russia joint military training ground during in 2017

Belarus says Ukrainian missile fell in its territory

Minsk claimed that a Soviet-era air defense missile was fired from Ukraine and landed in Belarus.

Former Belarus swimmer, olympic medalist Aleksandra Herasimenia

Former Belarus swimmer, olympic medalist Aleksandra Herasimenia

Belarus sentences Olympic swimmer, activist to 12 years

Aliaksandra Herasimenia and Alexander Opeykin were found guilty of harming national security and sentenced in absentia.

From left: Natalia Pinchuk, the wife of Belarusian rights activist Ales Bialiatski, Yan Rachinsky, chair of the International Memorial Board and Oleksandra Matviychuk, head of Ukraine's Center for Civil Liberties pose with awards during the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony at Oslo City Hall, Norway, Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022.

From left: Natalia Pinchuk, the wife of Belarusian rights activist Ales Bialiatski, Yan Rachinsky, chair of the International Memorial Board and Oleksandra Matviychuk, head of Ukraine's Center for Civil Liberties pose with awards during the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony at Oslo City Hall, Norway, Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022.

Nobel Peace Prize winners slam Putin's 'insane' war

The Russian, Ukrainian and Belarusian winners denounced Moscow's war in Ukraine during the award ceremony in Norway.

Nobel Peace Prize winner Ales Bialiatski in a courtroom cage in August 2011.

Nobel Peace Prize winner Ales Bialiatski in a courtroom cage in August 2011.

Ales Bialiatski, Belarusian human rights warrior

How the Belarusian activist and political prisoner became a hero to millions.

Alexander Lukashenko (l.) and Vladimir Putin at a meeting in Russia in May 2022

Alexander Lukashenko (l.) and Vladimir Putin at a meeting in Russia in May 2022

Belarus has been taken 'hostage' by Russia

Putin is trying to create a "puppet regime" in Minsk, the spokesman for Belarus' democratic opposition tells DW.

Maria Kolesnikova, with very short hair and her trademark bright red lipstick, makes a heart shape with her hands behind bars in a courtroom.

Maria Kolesnikova, with very short hair and her trademark bright red lipstick, makes a heart shape with her hands behind bars in a courtroom.

How did Belarus' Maria Kolesnikova end up in hospital?

What happened to the political prisoner while in detention — and what have her family and fellow campaigners been told?

Maria Kolesnikova makes a heart gesture during a hearing at the Minsk District Court, Belarus.

Maria Kolesnikova makes a heart gesture during a hearing at the Minsk District Court, Belarus.

Belarus: Jailed dissident Maria Kolesnikova hospitalized

Maria Kolesnikova was arrested in 2020 after leading protests against Alexander Lukashenko.

Vladimir Makei

Vladimir Makei

Belarusian Foreign Minister Vladimir Makei dies 'suddenly'

The 64-year-old had been the country's top diplomat for a decade and was a possible successor to Alexander Lukashenko.

DW Podcast | Inside Europe | provisorisch f ROAD

DW Podcast | Inside Europe | provisorisch f ROAD

Inside Europe 20.10.2022

Russian troops arrive for joint military operations in Belarus, distressing scenes at the Greek-Turkish border, and German bakers struggle to cope with rising energy prices. Also: The Netherlands withdraws from the Energy Charter Treaty, we stay close to the ground in both Ljubljana and Sofia, and ring out to the sound of Mechelen’s medieval carillon bells.

Migrants and refugees line up along the borders of Belarus

Migrants and refugees line up along the borders of Belarus

Amnesty reports alleged migrant abuse in Latvia

Riga slammed a report by the watchdog detailing human rights violations as "bogus accusations."

In this file photo from February 19, 2022, a Belarusian Army military helicopter flies over a field during the Union Courage-2022 Russia-Belarus military drills

In this file photo from February 19, 2022, a Belarusian Army military helicopter flies over a field during the Union Courage-2022 Russia-Belarus military drills

Belarus and Russia to deploy joint regional military group

Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko claimed the action was necessary because of a threat from Kyiv and its backers.

Soric Miodrag Kommentarbild App

Soric Miodrag Kommentarbild App

Why don't Russians demonstrate for democracy?

Miodrag Soric

While thousands protest in Iran, Russia remains calm. DW's Miodrag Soric explores why.

Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya takes part in a protest

Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya takes part in a protest

Belarus opposition leader: My people are ready to fight

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya believes a Russia weakened by the Ukraine war offers pro-democracy Belarusians a chance.

Soric Miodrag Kommentarbild App

Soric Miodrag Kommentarbild App

Nobel Peace Prize a slap in the face for Putin

Miodrag Soric

Three laureates from three countries — but this year's Nobel Peace Prize delivers a strikingly clear message.

Ales Bialiatski

Ales Bialiatski

Belarus opposition urges release of Nobel winner Bialiatski

Belarus's opposition hope the award of the peace prize to the activist might help precipitate his release.

Nobel Peace Prize

Nobel Peace Prize

Human rights advocates win 2022 Nobel Peace Prize

Rights groups from Ukraine and Russia, with rights advocate Ales Bialiatski of Belarus, have won the Nobel Peace Prize.

Weißrussland | Journalist - Andrej Aleksandrov

Weißrussland | Journalist - Andrej Aleksandrov

Belarus: Former DW reporter behind bars

Former DW reporter Andrei Alexandrov has been handed a 14-year prison term in Belarus.

Alexander Lukashenko speaks in a meeting as others sit around a table

Alexander Lukashenko speaks in a meeting as others sit around a table

Belarusian propaganda targets Poland

Historical resentments are being stirred up, with leader Belarusian Alexander Lukashenko suspecting subversive agents.

Children play in a fountain in front of a terraced building

Children play in a fountain in front of a terraced building

Das Minsk art museum opens in Potsdam

A building restored: What was once a popular restaurant in the GDR era is back as an art museum and cafe.

DW Arts.21 (Sendungslogo Kultur.21 englisch)

DW Arts.21 (Sendungslogo Kultur.21 englisch)

Beethovenfest Bonn

The 2022's Beethovenfest Bonn brings together musicians from Belarus, Ukraine and Germany.

Migrants in a tent camp on the Belarusian-Polish border in November 2021

Migrants in a tent camp on the Belarusian-Polish border in November 2021

Poland border wall hasn't stopped migrants

Refugees are still illegally crossing the border from Belarus. Activists are offering what assistance they can.

A woman in red with a music note stand conducts a choir while the audience watches

A woman in red with a music note stand conducts a choir while the audience watches

Campus Project focuses on Belarus and Ukraine

DW's Campus Project at the Beethovenfest Bonn creates a musical vision of the future.

To The Point Totale ENG

To The Point Totale ENG

Tragic triangle: Is Putin destroying Ukraine, Belarus and Russia?

Putin’s war against Ukraine has also impacted life in Russia and Belarus. What will the future bring?

A demonstrator holds a sign reading ''Free Ukraine, Free Belarus, Free Russia''

A demonstrator holds a sign reading ''Free Ukraine, Free Belarus, Free Russia''

Speaking truth to power

As the war in Ukraine rages on, we look at the fallout in Ukraine's neighboring countries Belarus and Russia.

A woman with historical Belarusian and Ukrainian flags painted on her cheeks shouts slogans during the Belarusian Freedom Day march on March 26, 2022 in Warsaw, Poland

A woman with historical Belarusian and Ukrainian flags painted on her cheeks shouts slogans during the Belarusian Freedom Day march on March 26, 2022 in Warsaw, Poland

World in Progress: 'Free all words'

As Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko continues to up the pressure on freedom of expression, it becomes increasingly dangerous to voice any sort of dissent. The European Writers' Council wants to give writers their voices back and has launched its 'Free all words' program to translate as many of their works as possible. DW speaks to Nina George, President of the European Writers' Council.