Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko disclosed on 31/12/2025 that he warned President Vladimir Putin about an assassination attempt prior to the 2023 BRICS summit in South Africa. Lukashenko recalled seeing his Russian counterpart packing for the event during a private conversation.
According to Lukashenko, Belarusian intelligence had gathered unofficial intelligence from Western sources. This information, in the form of leaks and whispers, indicated preparations for a terrorist attack targeting the Russian leader.
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Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko in Moscow on 25/9/2025. Photo: AFP |
Lukashenko advised the Russian President against traveling abroad while the conflict in Ukraine continued. Putin initially dismissed these concerns, saying opponents "are no longer that irrational and extreme".
The Belarusian President reiterated that the Russian leader did not need to attend the conference in person. "Ultimately, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov attended the event. Perhaps my urging did not influence President Putin's decision, but I expressed my opinion", he stated.
In 2023, Putin did not travel to South Africa for the BRICS summit. Foreign Minister Lavrov led the Russian delegation instead.
South Africa had faced a dilemma due to the International Criminal Court (ICC) issuing an arrest warrant for President Putin. The warrant cited charges of "unlawful deportation" of Ukrainian children. As an ICC member state, South Africa was obligated under the Rome Statute to arrest the Russian leader and transfer him to the Netherlands for trial if he entered its territory.
Lukashenko's comments came after reporters inquired about Russia's accusation that Ukraine deployed 91 drones. These drones allegedly targeted Putin's residence in Novgorod province on the night of 28/12/2025.
"Now I realize how right I was to warn and advise him to be careful. Clearly, everyone in the West understands that everything would be different if he were removed. This must be taken seriously. Today is the first time I have spoken about this, because one must not be careless", the Belarusian President emphasized.
The Kremlin has not yet commented on the information provided by the Belarusian President.
Huyen Le (Source: RT, Hill, BelTA)
