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Putin congratulates Lukashenko on ‘convincing’ re-election as Belarus president

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko casts his ballot at a polling site during voting in presidential elections on January 26, 2025. (Photo by AP)

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday congratulated his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko for winning a seventh term in office.

Putin referred to Lukashenko’s victory as proof of the Belarusian leader’s political influence and “undoubted support of the population.”

“Your convincing victory in the election clearly testifies to your high political authority and the undoubted support of the population for the state course pursued by Belarus.”

The Russian president wished Lukashenko new successes in his state activities for the benefit of the Belarusian people, as well as good health and well-being.

He pointed to the close ties between Belarus and Russia, saying “We have recently managed to do a lot to strengthen the friendly ties between Moscow and Minsk.”

He also hoped the two neighboring countries continue to improve their economic and political cooperation and safeguard the security of the region.

“We will continue to work closely together to further develop the multifaceted Russian-Belarusian co-operation … and promote mutually beneficial integration processes in the Eurasian space.”

Putin also invited his Belarusian counterpart to Moscow, saying, “You are always a welcome and dear guest on Russian land. As agreed, I look forward to seeing you soon in Moscow.”

The 70-year-old Lukashenko won in a landslide by getting 87.6% of the vote, according to official exit polls.

Exiled Belarusian opposition has not recognized the results of the election, arguing that the election has been rigged in favor of Lukashenko.

The EU, which supports the Belarusian opposition, has condemned the close ties between the country and Russia and refused to accept the result of the election as legitimate.

Lukashenko, however, said he did not care whether or not the EU recognized the results, and emphasized that he would continue to cooperate with Russia in economic, political and security matters.


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