Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko recently joked that he and Russian President Vladimir Putin often argue about who is the "bigger dictator." The remark, made during a youth forum in Belarus, was reported by the independent Russian newspaper Novaya Gazeta. Lukashenko, who has led Belarus since 1994, has long been criticized for alleged electoral fraud and authoritarian governance. Putin, who has been Russia’s leader since 2012, previously held the presidency from 2000 to 2008 and served as prime minister before that. Despite his joking about being a dictator, Lukashenko has publicly expressed that he is tired of holding power and believes no one else is ready to lead Belarus. At the Youth. Belarus. Future forum in Minsk, he said, “The only question is whether you’re able today to take the country and hold on to it. If you are, get to work tomorrow. To be honest, I can’t yet say that you are.” According to the Belarusian publication Zerkalo, Lukashenko has claimed over 20 times in the past six years that he is “sick” of being president. Lukashenko has also linked his dictatorial label to his stance on nuclear weapons and Belarus’ relationship with Russia. He claimed he became a dictator when he resisted the removal of nuclear weapons from Belarus after the Soviet Union collapsed. He has also expressed views on Ukraine and the construction of a nuclear power plant that have drawn criticism. He suggested that attempts to reduce Belarus’ ties with Russia could have led to instability, referencing the 2020 election, which sparked mass protests. The European Union has imposed sanctions on Belarus, which are set to continue until February 2027. Lithuania’s Foreign Minister, Kęstutis Budrys, has argued for maintaining these sanctions, saying, “We do not see any reasons why our position on Belarus should soften as Belarus is not changing its behaviour.” He emphasized the need for continued pressure on the Belarusian government to encourage change.