Alexander Lukashenko

Alexander Lukashenko is Belarus' authoritarian president who has been in power since 1994. His recent newsworthiness stems from his involvement in international diplomacy, particularly with the US and Russia. In December 2025, the US lifted sanctions on Belarus, leading to the release of 123 political prisoners, including prominent opposition activists. Lukashenko's visit to Myanmar shortly after was also notable, as it came before national polls widely condemned as a sham. His participation in the 'board of peace' initiative, alongside Netanyahu and Putin, has raised concerns over its objectivity. Additionally, Russia claims to have deployed nuclear-capable missiles in Belarus, further straining regional relations.