Lukashenko receives Russia's highest state award from Putin on his birthday

The Kremlin leader's decree was published by the RIA Novosti propaganda agency.

Lukashenko was awarded for "merits in the development of relations of alliance and strategic partnership between Russia and Belarus, strengthening friendly ties between the peoples and great personal contribution and effective activity of the union state.”

In addition, Putin sent Lukashenko a telegram congratulating him on his 70th birthday, noting that he values good relations with the Belarusian leader.

"I sincerely value our good friendly relations, which have fully stood the test of time, and I am sure that we will continue to do everything possible to build up fruitful Russian-Belarusian cooperation," the greeting said.

The Order of St. Andrew is awarded in Russia to statesmen and public figures, military leaders, representatives of science, culture, art and various sectors of the economy for "exceptional merit." The order can be awarded to foreign heads of state.

• Recently, Lukashenko said that since Ukraine has allegedly passed the stage of "denazification," Moscow and Kyiv should return to the negotiating table.