Lukashenko reveals bizarre argument he and Putin have over who is the ‘bigger dictator’

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko revealed during a speech at a youth forum in Minsk on Sept. 17 that he and Russian President Vladimir Putin regularly joke and argue over which of them qualifies as the 'bigger dictator'. Lukashenko, who has ruled Belarus since 1994, stated: 'They say I am the last dictator in Europe. So be it. Well, Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin and I often argue, jokingly, about which of us is the bigger dictator.' These comments underscore the close alignment between Moscow and Minsk, with Belarus serving as a strategic staging ground for Russia in its ongoing war against Ukraine. While Minsk has not committed ground troops, it provides military and strategic support, including allowing Russian forces to launch strikes from its territory. Addressing the issue of political succession, Lukashenko insisted that no one is currently prepared to take over the country, claiming he is not 'clinging to power' but is concerned about whether a successor could hold the nation together. Meanwhile, Western nations maintain strict economic pressure and sanctions on Belarus due to human rights abuses, although some trade restrictions were eased following the recent release of political prisoners.