Belarus’ autocratic leader, Alexander Lukashenko has offered to share infant formula with the US on Friday, June 1 citing shortages in a country where he has been sanctioned.
In February, a product recall and the closure of a major plant resulted in a significant and ongoing reduction in the availability of infant formula for parents across the United States.
“We are ready to assist the Americans with baby formula supplies as soon as tomorrow,” Lukashenko said, according to state news agency Belta.
Lukashenko is a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, and once Russian soldiers were sent into Ukraine, he stood with Moscow.
Both have been known to use difficulties in Western countries to deflect criticism of their authority, according to The Guardian.
Lukashenko, who has ruled Belarus with an iron fist since 1994, has accused the West of being “at war” in Ukraine with Russia.
Since the start of the conflict, both Russia and Belarus have been subjected to sanctions.
Lukashenko and his supporters have previously been sanctioned by the West, including the US, for the regime’s repression on opposition protesters in 2020.
During the harsh repression of demonstrators opposing Lukashenko’s re-election for a sixth term, many people died and others were jailed.
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