In a video broadcast on national television, Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko launches a spade at Europe, shaken by a major energy crisis.
In the footage, Russia's main ally - and vassal - appears behind a mound of freshly cut logs.
By striking blows with an axe, he explains, in an ironic tone, that he wants to help Europe.
"We won't let them freeze to death in Europe," he quips.
We will help our brothers.
Maybe they will help us one day too”, he adds before splitting a piece of wood.
“Europe cannot be choosy right now.
Fir or birch, the important thing is that they are warm,” he adds a little later.
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This staging of the Belarusian leader, accustomed to staggered public appearances, comes as European countries are bearing the brunt of the explosion in gas and electricity prices linked to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Shortages are feared and the leaders call on their inhabitants to “energy sobriety”.
Relations between Minsk and Europe are highly strained due to its ties with Russia.
Minsk notably made its territory available to Moscow to serve as a rear base for the offensive against kyiv.
Like Russia, Belarus is affected by European Union sanctions.