Stronger than Putin. The 71-year-old dictator of Belarus allegedly had a relationship with a 22-year-old model
Belarus President Aleksander Lukashenko, considered Europe's last authoritarian leader and a close ally of Vladimir Putin, is once again in the spotlight, this time for personal reasons.
Alia Korotkaia, a 22-year-old model, often makes public appearances alongside Lukashenko
Russian media and investigative platforms claim that the 71-year-old Minsk leader is having a relationship with Alia Korotkaia, a 22-year-old model known for participating in beauty contests.
The young woman competed in competitions such as Miss Minsk, Miss Belarus and Miss BRICS, held in Russia, and according to some reports, she would have come to the attention of the Belarusian leader during these events.
More and more frequent public appearances with the dictator
Over the past year, Korotkaia has been seen repeatedly around Lukashenko, including at hockey games and at the New Year's ball organized by the presidential administration.
Some publications claim that the leader gave her symbolic gifts during public appearances, and her constant presence at official events fueled speculation of a close relationship.
The model was also associated with the National Beauty School, an institution funded by the Belarusian state.
A discreet but controversial personal life
Lukashenko is officially married to Galina Lukashenko, but the two have been living separately since the 90s. The couple have two sons, Viktor, 50, and Dmitri, 46.
In the past, the Belarusian leader has also been associated with figures from the world of beauty pageants. In 2019, he appeared publicly with Maria Vasilevici, a relationship that attracted attention due to the age difference of 43 years.
Reports of the alleged relationship come at a time when Lukashenko is again in the international spotlight amid possible diplomatic contacts with the United States.
The Belarusian leader has ruled the country since 1994 and has been consistently criticized for his handling of political opposition, particularly after the 2020 election, which was marred by violently suppressed protests.
Belarus also played an important role in supporting Russia in the war in Ukraine, providing infrastructure and military support.
