Dictators gather in Russia, Lukashenko harshly criticizes Poland in WWII commemoration speech

Upon Vladimir Putin's invitation, Lukashenko arrived in Russia to partake in the celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the termination of the Siege of Leningrad, now known as St. Petersburg. During the festivities, a monument in honor of the civilian victims of the Great Patriotic War - known as World War II outside Russia - was unveiled.

"Even after 80 years, the memory of these events still brings a sting of sadness. It's impossible not to feel the crushing weight of the losses, the exhilaration of liberation, and the intense struggle for life for our victory. The toll of our victory still resonates with our collective grief. This pain extends to all nations that Nazi Germany doomed. This pain is keenly felt by Belorussians," Lukashenko quoted by the state news agency BelTA during the ceremony.

"Every monument stands as an irrefutable testament, accusing and judging. Each one is undeniable evidence of the genocide of the Soviet people. This is a judgment that stands, irrespective of those who might wish it didn't," he emphasized.

The Belarusian dictator subsequently shifted his focus to the West, notably including Poland. Among other statements, Lukashenko said that "the memory of war victims and the valor of our forefathers is hard for some to stomach, especially those who align ideologically with murderers and traitors".

"It's these individuals who currently honor executioners in their parliaments. They are the ones who instigated a war with gravestones and monuments in Poland, the Baltic nations, and Ukraine. Such actions are the epitome of insanity! By demolishing a monument, they seem to think they can eradicate the memory that lives in people's hearts, those who, despite everything, found the strength to establish peaceful relationships with the very countries that just recently brought suffering and death to our lands," he stated, reported by the Belarusian state news agency BelTA.

Likewise, the Belarusian leader's visit to Russia will extend to Sunday. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that another meeting between Putin and Lukashenko is set to take place in St. Petersburg on that day.