Alexander Lukashenko skipped the State Flag Day ceremony for the first time in 29 years. The pro-Kremlin "last dictator in Europe" is said to have health problems.
State television has not shown any current pictures of the politician for days. The 68-year-old was represented by Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko at the state celebration, which was staged with much pomp. He looked conspicuously battered and left the Victory Day celebrations on May 9 prematurely, according to reports in Ukraine.