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MINSK, 18 August (BelTA) – Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko was asked what future he wishes for his youngest son in an interview with the Rossiya TV channel, BelTA has learned.
Speaking about his relations with his son, the president noted that Nikolai is interested in many things and events taking place both in Belarus and across the globe, has his point of view and sometimes provides even critical comments.
“He is some kind of an ‘opposition’ to me. He can criticize me, in a good way,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said. “He offers criticism as an alternative. Not to oppose but to provide an alternative view.”
The conversation also touched upon the events of 2020 and the famous footage of the president with a machine gun being accompanied with his youngest son.
“When he saw me putting on my bulletproof vest (both he and I have our own weapons, bulletproof vests) and heading to the helicopter, he immediately put on his. His mother was at home then and got really worried. I was on my way out as I heard him telling her: “I do not want to sit here being worried while he is out there. That was his phrase,” the head of state said. “I told him to stay home. He replied: “No, I am going with you. I am not going to kill anyone. I am going to defend my father.” Those were his words. What can you say in response?”
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“He is a man of courage. I am really glad he is. He will defend his country properly,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said about Nikolai.
Now the youngest son of the head of state is studying at Peking University and Belarusian State University under a joint program. He is studying biotechnology and will receive two diplomas upon graduation.
“I want this capable man, who is a good musician, a promising athlete and so on, to have a peaceful future. I wish the same to all Belarusians, Russians, all good people. I want peace and nothing more. And then let’s compete peacefully,” the president said.