The exiled opposition leader of Belarus has urged the public to be prepared for political change amid reports of the declining health of long-time leader Alexander Lukashenko.
Lukashenko, who has been in power since 1994, has not been seen in public for six days and skipped important events. He was last seen in Moscow, but did not attend a lunch hosted by his ally President Vladimir Putin, leading to speculation about his health.
Lukashenko's rival, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, commented on the rumors on Twitter, calling on the international community to be proactive and fast to turn Belarus towards democracy and prevent Russian interference.
Lukashenko did not address Belarusian war veterans on May 9, breaking tradition, and officials have not commented on his absence.
In 2020, Lukashenko allowed Russia to use Belarusian territory for its offensive on Ukraine, and his regime cracked down on protests against his disputed election victory, leading to the jailing or exile of most dissenters.
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