Belarusian leader and close Russian ally Alexander Lukashenko extended his 31-year grip on power Monday after election officials declared him the winner of a presidential vote.

According to initial results, Lukashenko secured 86.8% of the vote, facing no significant competition from the four other candidates on the ballot.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock dismissed the results, saying, "The people of Belarus had no choice. It is a bitter day for all those who long for freedom & democracy."

In turn, exiled opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya urged Western nations to expand sanctions against Belarusian companies and individuals involved in repressing Lukashenko’s opponents and aiding Russia in the Ukraine war.

She said, "As long as Belarus is under Lukashenko and Putin's control, there will be a constant threat to the peace and security of the entire region."

EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas and Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos affirmed in a joint statement that the bloc would continue imposing "restrictive and targeted measures against the regime" while supporting civil society and the exiled opposition.

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Lukashenko begins new term as president of Belarus

Lukashenko defended the imprisonment of his opponents on Sunday, stating they had "chosen" their own fate. He also rejected claims that releasing over 250 individuals convicted of "extremist" activities was an attempt to signal the West to ease his isolation.

"I don't give a damn about the West," he said at a news conference.

"We have never refused relations with the West. We have always been ready. But you do not want this. So what should we do, bow before you or crawl on our knees?"

'EU bowing to US'

Yesterday, Lukashenko expressed that the European Union's remarks about the Belarusian election are a "kowtowing to Big Brother," referring to the United States.

Lukashenko told reporters that if they truly believed in such ideals for elections, they should "say something about US elections." 

The EU had released a statement describing Belarus' elections as "neither free nor fair," saying the country's citizens deserve "a real say in who governs their country."

He stated that they can say so in Minsk because it is "safe for them," adding, "How can you evaluate something that has not yet happened? Apparently, they rushed things off and will have some explaining to do."

He accused the EU of "showing their true colors," expressing gratitude to them for it, and adding, "We should take it calmly. We should ignore it."