In response to the election, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that President Vladimir Putin congratulated Lukashenko on his 'solid victory,' emphasizing their alliance.

The brutal crackdown on protests following the disputed 2020 election has resulted in many opposition figures being jailed or exiled, which further undermines the legitimacy of the current election.

Currently, there are approximately 1,200 political prisoners in Belarus, and human rights organizations are calling for their release and for Western nations to engage in dialogue with Minsk.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas condemned the elections as a 'sham,' while German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock remarked that the election day was bitter for Belarusians longing for freedom.

Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko extended his rule by winning a presidential election on January 26, 2025, with 86.8% of the vote, according to electoral officials.

The election lacked credible opposition, as all other candidates were known supporters of Lukashenko, leading to accusations that the election was rigged.

Belarus faces Western sanctions due to its political repression and support for Russia's invasion of Ukraine, despite benefiting economically from its ties with Moscow.

Reports indicated that government employees were coerced into voting, with some individuals reportedly voting while unconscious, highlighting the lack of genuine electoral integrity.

The KGB maintains strict control over the population, instilling fear among voters regarding the consequences of dissent or accessing critical information.

Opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has encouraged Belarusians to prepare for future protests, asserting that the persecution of dissenters has become routine.

Since 2020, over 65,000 individuals have been arrested during Lukashenko's crackdown on dissent, drawing significant international condemnation.

Despite dismissing Western condemnation, analysts believe Lukashenko is attempting to ease international isolation by granting pardons to political prisoners and allowing limited access to opposition figures.