Did Lukashenko Feel Unwell On “Independence Day”?
- 3.07.2026, 15:42
Wolfovich spoke in place of the dictator.
This year’s “Independence Day” celebrations at the “Mound of Glory” memorial complex took place without Alexander Lukashenko in attendance. This is evident from footage of the live broadcast conducted from the scene by the state television channel “First Information.”
The ceremony was attended by officials: Prime Minister Alexander Turchin, Secretary of the Security Council Alexander Volfovich, Head of Lukashenko’s Administration Dmitry Krutoy, Head of the National Bank Roman Golovchenko, Chairwoman of the “Council of the Republic of the National Assembly” Natalia Kochanova, and others.
Participants in the ceremony laid flowers at the memorial. A wreath from Alexander Lukashenko was brought by soldiers from the honor guard company.
Alexander Volfovich then addressed those present.
“Allow me, on behalf of Lukashenko—who today is addressing strategic issues in the name of our country’s prosperity—to congratulate everyone present and the entire Belarusian people on the ‘Independence Day’ of the Republic of Belarus.”
In his speech, the Secretary of the Security Council recalled the Belarusians’ struggle for liberation from the Nazi invaders, called for a moment of silence to honor the fallen, and noted that the future of Belarus lies with the young people who gathered at the Mound of Glory on July 3.
He emphasized that “the international situation is extremely tense.”
“You can see what is happening near our borders. Despite this, we are in control of the situation. The country is under the reliable protection of our security forces. At the same time, independence requires unity and shared responsibility for the fate of our state,” concluded Volfovich, calling on everyone to protect peace, family, and country.
Alexander Lukashenko participated in the wreath- and flower-laying ceremony at the Mound of Glory on July 3 in at least 2025, 2023, 2022, and 2021. In 2024, Alexander Lukashenko first spoke on July 2 at a solemn gathering dedicated to Independence Day, and the next day he delivered a speech at the military parade marking the 80th anniversary of Belarus’s liberation.