With pen and axe

A masterclass from the President, a Belarus-made axe in action, and why Trump could be awarded the Nobel Prize: Aleksandr Lukashenko has attended the third wood chopping championship among the media

Despite the gloomy autumn weather outside, it was truly lively on the picturesque bank of the Vyacha River in Minsk Region on November 7th. For the third consecutive year, it has been evident that Belarusian journalists are equally good at speaking the truth and chopping wood, at one of the favourite events among the writing and filming fraternity — the wood chopping championship among the media. For us — journalists — it is a great opportunity to see and be seen: after all, we are skilled not only with a fine pen but also with an axe. It is particularly gratifying to see the attention given to the event by the President. For the Head of State, chopping wood is a familiar task. Therefore, receiving a masterclass from the Belarusian leader is worth a lot. On that festive day, such an opportunity arose: Aleksandr Lukashenko visited the third wood chopping championship among the media. Emotions and impressions from the celebration are captured in our material.

Masterclass for Anna Kviloria, the presenter of the Belarus 1 TV channel                BELTA

‘Remember this, especially you girls, so that you do not marry just anyone’. Life hacks from the President

The Head of State arrived at the championship behind the wheel of a car, and immediately plunged into the thick of the celebration, among the people. The President was greeted with a loud burst of applause and approving shouts to the cheerful and groovy songs of Belarusian performers. Participants in the competition and numerous fans surrounded the Belarusian leader in a tight circle, and at one point, you could even feel sorry for the security staff. They clearly did not expect such attention and interest from the public, and it was not easy for them.  
Aleksandr Lukashenko communicated with people with pleasure, a keen sense of humour, jokes, and down-to-earth sincerity.  
“All right, girls, we are going to chop some wood now. Are you ready?” Aleksandr Lukashenko addressed the girls standing nearby. The President then conducted an improvised masterclass in one of the most challenging exercises of the championship — wood chopping in a Presidential style — starting with the basics, “In order to chop wood, you first need to look at it and choose the appropriate axe.” The Head of State added with satisfaction,   

“Why am I doing this? To finally present the Belarusian axe! I assigned this task a long time ago. The first version made by MTZ was not good, worse than the imported one. So we have made a new axe. It is slightly heavier, but more efficient. After we have chosen the axe, we look at the log. Remember this, especially you girls, so that you do not marry just anyone.”  

BELTA

Once again, there was an explosion of laughter at the site. Meanwhile, Aleksandr Lukashenko patiently explained the chopping technique, sharing life hacks and practical advice, “We have chosen the axe, taken a look at the log: on noticing a crack, you should split directly through this crack. The nature itself has defined where the fibres are weaker, so it will be easier to split there. There is no need to hurry. It is important to look at the point where you want to strike with the axe.”   

A swing — and the massive log splits in two, like a chip. The President deftly, almost playfully, dealt with the large logs, and there was not a hint of fatigue on his face. This is, by the way, for those who are overly concerned about the Belarusian leader’s physical condition, portraying him as almost ‘sickly and frail’. We dare to assure you that the Head of State is in excellent physical shape and can outmatch even those much younger than him. Splitting enormous logs with a single blow requires a certain rustic toughness, strength, and endurance.  

“The axe is more or less okay, yet there is room for improvement,” assessed Aleksandr Lukashenko and reminded of his instruction that all necessary tools for the forestry industry — from axes to chainsaws — should be domestically produced.

‘There are no idlers around me’. About those who has worked with the President

Next, the Head of State decided to see who among his entourage could chop wood faster and more skilfully. This is also a typical feature of the Belarusian leader. Everyone around the President — from journalists and the press secretary to his personal doctor and protocol staff — must work just as he does, and everyone must be able to do things well: chop wood, mow grass, plant trees, harvest potatoes, and more. “Semyonych, come here, don’t hide,” 
Aleksandr Lukashenko called to Sergei Teterin jokingly. “Here is a log for you. Don’t miss and don’t embarrass yourself. It is very important to look at the spot where you want to strike the axe… Well done, one more time!”
The President then passed the challenge onto doctor Svetlana Konoshenko, “You need to hit harder, I told you to warm up before,” Aleksandr Lukashenko remarked. “It is good exercise.”
The press secretary of the Head of State, Natalya Eismont, also took up the axe. “Come on, let the people see what you can do. You need to chop towards the core,” the President advised.
Next, it was the turn of Dmitry Baskov, Deputy Chairman of the Standing Commission on Education, Science, Culture and Social Development of the Council of the Republic, to demonstrate his skills. The President noted, “What did you think? You shine on screens, now go show the people so they understand that there are no idlers around me.”
Whoever it was, they all chopped wood with the President that day. A farmer, a coach, and event hosts came to learn from the Belarusian leader. Even the delicate female staff of the protocol service had to step out into the lawn. The Head of State stressed, “You won’t get away with it. Whether you are Miss Belarus or not, you will still chop wood. Here, everyone is the same.”
After that, everyone who wanted to join in took their turn chopping, as the President’s example proved to be so inspiring.

Masterclass in wood chopping in a Presidential style 

The championship can truly be called international: the axe was taken up not only by Belarusian journalists and bloggers but also by colleagues from other countries. The Eurasia team participated in the competition for the first time, bringing together journalists from Moldova, Armenia, Russia, and Belarus. Among them was RT correspondent Konstantin Pridybailo. “Kostya, here you are — a Belarusian axe!” Aleksandr Lukashenko handed the chopping tool to the journalist. “That is exactly what I wanted,” our colleague readily responded.  
In the sparring session, Konstantin faced a Belarusian participant. A brief masterclass in wood chopping in a Presidential style from the Belarusian leader: how wide apart to spread legs, where to hold the axe — and off you go. “Missed it! It seems you have not chopped for a while,” commented the Head of State. “It’s been a long time, about 15 years… You know, we have gas in Russia, so we have stopped doing all this [wood chopping],” Konstantin Pridybailo attempted to justify himself with a touch of humour.  
The President patiently waited until the guys started to get the hang of it, and appreciated the result, “Well done! It is clear that you are well-fed in Belarus. Gas, oil — he has got everything, yet he is a Belarusian!” 

It is better to chop wood than to think about politics

To loud applause and a resounding ‘It is necessary!’, the Head of State interacted with the teams that had begun competing. One of the main pieces of advice from the Belarusian leader was not to rush. Our Chinese counterparts from the Xinhua news agency also participated in the championship, and Aleksandr Lukashenko was cheering for them as well, “Turn it, turn the chopping block! Hit in the centre, even harder! Well done!”   
By the way, the agency celebrated its anniversary on November 7th — it was established in 1931. Our heartfelt congratulations to our colleagues!  
In turn, the agency’s journalists confessed to the President, “We are very glad that we can take part [in the championship]. In fact, this is our second time here. Last year we finished in the 32nd place.” “This year you will be higher,” the President expressed confidence.  
Notably, our Chinese friends were helped by the younger son of the Belarusian leader — Nikolai Lukashenko, who is studying at Peking University under an exchange programme. He had no difficulty in taking an axe and supporting one of the teams.  
Next, the STV tent: journalist Grigory Azarenok pointed out that despite the festive atmosphere, one must also keep an eye on politics. He noted that on November 7th, the collection of signatures in support of nominating Presidential candidates had begun, “I have already left my signature.” “I am not asking for whom,” the President reacted. “Aleksandr Grigorievich, I will answer: for you, of course, for peace, for stability, for our country,” the journalist made no secret of his preference.  
Grigory Azarenok also noted that opponents abroad became more active, trying to send some documents to our country remotely. Hence the question to the Belarusian leader — what does he think about this?  
Aleksandr Lukashenko expressed his opinion, “I do not even think about it. Let them send it. They have probably seen it in the USA; half a million signatures were found in a rubbish bin there, yet it did not help — Donald [Trump] has still won. I am not thinking about politics today at all. Look at how many girls are here — our journalists, beauties. To be honest, I am looking at the people and not thinking about politics. I advise you, take your mind off it today. Chop some wood!”  
At the same time, the Head of State highlighted that in the near future, it would be worth inviting the leaders of initiative groups for collecting signatures in support of nominating Presidential candidates and, if necessary, providing assistance.

‘Don’t forget about the world’

Aleksandr Lukashenko commented on the US election and explained why Europe could become the main rival for the United States

Journalists will be journalists: they like nothing better than asking questions. Seizing the opportunity, our colleagues from the First News TV Channel literally stopped the President and asked him to comment on the topic that the whole world was discussing — the results of the US presidential election — especially considering the fact that the Belarusian leader had essentially predicted Donald Trump’s victory. 

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On Donald Trump’s victory

The Head of State did not hide his opinion,  

“Trump, of course, is a power. No matter how I feel about him, he is great. It was hard to believe he could win. They shot at him, put pressure on him, wanted to put him in jail, and so on, but he made his way like a bulldozer — doing that after he had worked unsuccessfully, as it may seem. Seemingly (!) unsuccessfully. Therefore, it is his personal feat in the name of the American people. He has done well in that regard.”   

As for Kamala Harris, she is a heroic woman, and she does not need to be crying, as stated by the President, “As I have seen, she is upset: she has lost. The USA has matured to elect a black president, but it is not yet ready to elect a woman. She was running neck and neck with that ‘bulldozer’. She did everything possible and impossible. She did well, so she should not cry under any circumstances.”  
One of the key points that the Belarusian leader emphasised is that the Democrats, after their defeat, did not call on their supporters to take to the streets with pickaxes or axes to go against the authorities. According to Aleksandr Lukashenko, this is a lesson for the exiled opposition,  “After a failure, it is simply needed to keep working. This is a good example set by the Democratic Party for the whole world.”

On hope for peace

Another theme that the Head of State has highlighted is hope. Donald Trump needs to do everything not only to make America great but to do so in the interests of the whole world. The Belarusian leader recalled that Trump had promised during his election campaign to do everything possible to end wars — and there are more than fifty conflicts worldwide — including in Ukraine and the Middle East,  

“If he does this, we will submit a petition for the Nobel Prize. He will be awarded it for doing a good deed. There is hope that he will keep his promises. However, the US is not Belarus: people there might forget, or something else. Nevertheless, we hope that he will fulfil his promise.”  

Aleksandr Lukashenko added that not everything will depend on Donald Trump. The Head of State is convinced that regarding the conflict in Ukraine, at least two sides of the conflict must be involved, “He will try to end the war in Ukraine, but this is not a one-sided process. This should be negotiated, and perhaps not only with Russia. This concerns a lot of countries.”  
Donald Trump has also stated that he is ready to put China in their place. However, the President of Belarus has emphasised that no person ‘able to put China in their place’ has been born yet,  “Therefore, we should not take all words on trust. The promises voiced during the election campaign may be hindered by certain circumstances in the future. We will see how it goes when the euphoria subsides. If they — the United States — claim global leadership, then they must not forget about the world.”

On future of the EU and planet as a whole  

The President preempted possible accusations from opponents that he was fawning over Trump, “I could not care less who won the US election. I know that I have a piece of land that I must care about and protect. I have my people. I am just sharing my opinion. I do not care who won over there, but I do care about the policies the USA will pursue, because it accounts for a third of the world economy, and the economy is paramount.”  
Aleksandr Lukashenko remarked that, if Donald Trump and Kamala Harris participated in the election in Belarus, neither of them would garner any votes at all due to the weird policy they are pursuing in the USA, “This is purely an American version; and it has worked. It is their business. If they want peace and tranquillity here, in Europe, we will facilitate that. The US will continue to put pressure on Europe since it does not need competitors. It lives off this. If Europe and the euro flourish, the dollar will have no place. The European Union has already begun to understand this.” 
The Head of State does not rule out that in the future, the EU may become truly united and start working with Belarus and Russia. After all, the EU leaders could combine their cutting-edge technologies with the resources abundant in Russia, “This will happen someday, you will see. Today, Germany has started to wobble. As soon as they throw Scholz out of office, Germany will come to its senses. [It had] cheap gas, cheap energy resources, [it was] the world’s leading economy, a global miracle. Where is all of this now? They have sunk below the knees. Germans are not fools; they will make their government work the way it should.” 
Aleksandr Lukashenko drew the line,  

“The world is changing tremendously. The way we reason based on today’s situation will be completely different tomorrow. They [leaders of the EU member states] will definitely stand for their countries, for Europe. And here, it is not China but Europe that can become the main rival for the United States. The Global South is on the rise, and India’s economy is growing at a rapid pace.

Do you think that Indians will just lay their fate on a platter for Americans to decide? No. They will have their own preferences. New circumstances may arise literally in a short while. They [the USA] will have to respond to it. Therefore, we are now reasoning from the perspective of today, but tomorrow we will reason based on the changed situation. It is changing before our eyes.”  
In this regard, the President once again returned to the fact that, for him, Trump’s victory was still more preferable, “Because we see what is happening with these madmen in power [the former US authorities]. Old-new Trump will come, and there is still some hope that something will change. There is one more nuance, a human one: when people in power lack experience — that is one thing, but when people in power do not have children — that is a disaster. They do not care about what is going on in the world. Trump has a large family, he has children. Trump also has our Melania [Melania Trump is a native of Yugoslavia], who keeps him in check. Therefore, the fact that he has a family and children makes a big difference. He thinks not only about his future, but also about the future of his children.”

During the third wood chopping championship among the media, the Vyacha River, Minsk Region, November 7th   Kirill Stasko

By Yevgeny Kononovich, Polina Konoga