Lukashenko's loyal companion: Beyond politics with his fluffy Spitz

Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko is known for his love of animals. At his residence, he keeps cows, special breeds of chickens imported from China, ostriches, and other birds.

However, it turns out that his greatest fondness is for dogs. Lukashenko has several, but he holds the most affection for a pedigree miniature Spitz with snow-white fur.

The Biełsat portal described the career of the President of Belarus's pet. The unassuming little dog has been a guest at the tables of presidents of various countries and has visited theaters and stadiums.

It is also seen at meetings in theaters and stadiums. During diplomatic visits, it often dozes off by the side of its master or is carried in a stroller.

But there’s more to their relationship than that. The President of Belarus affectionately calls it "Little One," a term that, as observed by those around Lukashenko, the dictator previously used for his youngest son.

Why does the pro-Russian politician treat the dog the same as a son? Iryna Sidorskaja, a media researcher, explains in a conversation with Biełsat:

The fact that Lukashenko previously took Mikalai everywhere is very easy to explain – children make the image of a politician more human, acceptable to a wider audience. But Kola grew up, he is an adult now and perhaps, he doesn’t want to serve a representational function for his father anymore.

And although the price the dictator had to pay for his pet might seem impressive - dogs of this breed cost around £1,400, the reflection the expert concludes her statement for Biełsat with is poignant:

Such is the fate of dictators: on one hand, you do whatever you want, on the other hand, you become a completely lonely person. There is no one close to you except for a dog.