April 27, 2020

Lukashenko Gets His "Village Therapy"


Lukashenko Gets His "Village Therapy"
You'd look this happy, too, if you got a hug from Aleksandr Lukashenko. CTV.by

Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko has been making headlines lately by failing to close his country in the midst of a global pandemic. He's quoted as saying, "It's better to die standing than live on your knees." And he has prescribed a specific brand of medicine to fight the coronavirus: hard work outdoors in a village.

At least now he can say he's walking the walk.

While about 10,000 Belarusians reportedly suffer from coronavirus infection, Lukashenko helped plant trees in a national park, along with other members of the administration, last week. This was part of a nationwide subbotnik event, in which Belarusians of all stripes banded together in strikingly mask-free equipment to clean up their common spaces.

Lukashenko was sure to bring along his dog, which he carried in a basket.

Belarus is Russia's neighbor to the west, and shares a long history with Kievan Rus, the Russian Empire, and the Soviet Union. It retains special diplomatic status with modern Russia and is often considered a unique Soviet holdover.

In addition, Putin and Lukashenko are reportedly close, although Putin has better (or simply different?) taste in dogs.

You Might Also Like

Belarusan Election
  • May 01, 2006

Belarusan Election

On March 19, according to official data, current Belarusan President Alexander Lukashenko was reelected with 82% of the popular vote. But many voters disagreed with these results.
The City of Chagall
  • May 01, 2010

The City of Chagall

Just over Russia’s border in Belarus is the remarkable city of Vitebsk, birthplace for a surprisingly influential artistic community that flourished just before and after the Revolution.
Putin's Russia
  • September 01, 2002

Putin's Russia

On the occasion of President Vladimir Putin's 50th birthday, we look back at how far Russia has come since January 1, 2000, and where it appears to be going.
The Napoleon Code
  • November 01, 2010

The Napoleon Code

There have been rumors of, and searches for, Napoleon’s Treasure since the mid- nineteenth century. Anna Dymkovets tagged along with some modern-day treasure seekers to find out what they are looking for.
Like this post? Get a weekly email digest + member-only deals

Some of our Books

Driving Down Russia's Spine
June 01, 2016

Driving Down Russia's Spine

The story of the epic Spine of Russia trip, intertwining fascinating subject profiles with digressions into historical and cultural themes relevant to understanding modern Russia. 

A Taste of Chekhov
December 24, 2022

A Taste of Chekhov

This compact volume is an introduction to the works of Chekhov the master storyteller, via nine stories spanning the last twenty years of his life.

Steppe
July 15, 2022

Steppe

This is the work that made Chekhov, launching his career as a writer and playwright of national and international renown. Retranslated and updated, this new bilingual edition is a super way to improve your Russian.

Davai! The Russians and Their Vodka
November 01, 2012

Davai! The Russians and Their Vodka

In this comprehensive, quixotic and addictive book, Edwin Trommelen explores all facets of the Russian obsession with vodka. Peering chiefly through the lenses of history and literature, Trommelen offers up an appropriately complex, rich and bittersweet portrait, based on great respect for Russian culture.

Little Golden Calf
February 01, 2010

Little Golden Calf

Our edition of The Little Golden Calf, one of the greatest Russian satires ever, is the first new translation of this classic novel in nearly fifty years. It is also the first unabridged, uncensored English translation ever, and is 100% true to the original 1931 serial publication in the Russian journal 30 Dnei. Anne O. Fisher’s translation is copiously annotated, and includes an introduction by Alexandra Ilf, the daughter of one of the book’s two co-authors.

Fearful Majesty
July 01, 2014

Fearful Majesty

This acclaimed biography of one of Russia’s most important and tyrannical rulers is not only a rich, readable biography, it is also surprisingly timely, revealing how many of the issues Russia faces today have their roots in Ivan’s reign.

The Moscow Eccentric
December 01, 2016

The Moscow Eccentric

Advance reviewers are calling this new translation "a coup" and "a remarkable achievement." This rediscovered gem of a novel by one of Russia's finest writers explores some of the thorniest issues of the early twentieth century.

At the Circus
January 01, 2013

At the Circus

This wonderful novella by Alexander Kuprin tells the story of the wrestler Arbuzov and his battle against a renowned American wrestler. Rich in detail and characterization, At the Circus brims with excitement and life. You can smell the sawdust in the big top, see the vivid and colorful characters, sense the tension build as Arbuzov readies to face off against the American.

Murder at the Dacha
July 01, 2013

Murder at the Dacha

Senior Lieutenant Pavel Matyushkin has a problem. Several, actually. Not the least of them is the fact that a powerful Soviet boss has been murdered, and Matyushkin's surly commander has given him an unreasonably short time frame to close the case.

The Latchkey Murders
July 01, 2015

The Latchkey Murders

Senior Lieutenant Pavel Matyushkin is back on the case in this prequel to the popular mystery Murder at the Dacha, in which a serial killer is on the loose in Khrushchev’s Moscow...

About Us

Russian Life is the 31-year-old publication of an award-winning publishing house that also creates books, and other products for Russophiles the world over.

Latest Posts

Our Contacts

Russian Life
73 Main Street, Suite 402
Montpelier VT 05602

802-223-4955