Is Lukashenka Seriously Ill Or Hiding?

The Ukrainian journalist does not rule out that the dictator is really out in his mind.

"Both independent Belarusian media and the sources of these lines' author report that Lukashenka is seriously ill. On November 7, he congratulated his nation from the United Arab Emirates, where he went for treatment for many days," - Business Capital journalist Denis Lavnikevich writes.

One of the members of the Belarusian delegation in the UAE has anonymously told reporters: "The ruler went straight from the airport to the prestigious Burjeel Hospital in Abu Dhabi. He has been staying in its VIP-wing for the fourth day already. Only local doctors are allowed to see Lukashenka, his diagnosis is strictly classified. The press service has been instructed to give the appearance of activity - to send congratulations on behalf of Lukashenka to various leaders. Members of the delegation are having a tedious time at the hotel at the moment".

Burjeel Hospital in Abu Dhabi is considered to be one of the best in the world, and it often secretly treats politicians from post-Soviet countries. The news about Lukashenka's stay there was confirmed by other sources, and his cortege was also seen in the parking lot of this hospital. Surely, Lukashenka could be treated in his special clinic near Minsk. But, according to officials, he does not trust the local doctors and is panic-stricken about an assassination attempt.

It is also indicative that Lukashenka went to the UAE together with two most likely successors - the eldest and youngest sons (Viktar and Mikalai, the middle Dzmitry stayed in control).

"Lukashenka's current treatment is likely to be connected with a series of microstrokes (such rumors persist in Minsk), as a result of which the Belarusian ruler is becoming inadequate. Indeed, its progressing insanity is already being discussed abroad. In recent months, there has not been a single status meeting at which Lukashenka did not make scandalous statements. He gives very free assessments to the leaders of the world powers, tells about fantastic events and allows himself shocking tricks," - Denis Lavnikovich writes.

There are plenty of examples - stories about mythical Belarusian medium-range missiles, about Elon Musk's personal gift to Lukashenka - a Tesla, about that the Trumps go into the rant, having received a Belarusian linen towel as a gift, and ask where it can be bought... And earlier statements, such as promises to distribute "millions of automatic rifles" to common Belarusians, also do not look too adequate.

There are several explanations of what is happening, and they do not exclude each other at all. Minsk is pushing through the model of "sovereign integration", in which Belarus has Russian subsidies, but has no responsibility and mental connection with Russia. For this purpose, Western partners should give guarantees that Belarus will not be absorbed. In other words, the Belarusian elite is interested not in breaking up (Belarus should live at the expense of Russia), but in promoting integration under Lukashenka's conditions.

Perhaps Lukashenka is really insane, as his numerous opponents in Belarus try to show. But it is just as possible that this is another game in expectation that the Kremlin will be careful to sign "epochal" integration documents with the ruler, who demonstrates his inadequacy to the public suspiciously often.