"Show that you are a true Belarusian," was the main message that Alexander Lukashenko wanted to enforce. "If you decide to compete and do it under neutral status, beat your rivals, show that you are a true Belarusian", the president stressed to the athletes who will compete in the 2024 Olympic Games next July. They will have to do so under a neutral flag because the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has banned the presence of Russians and Belarusians at the event due to the conflict in Ukraine. 

Lukashenko gave a powerful speech to the athletes, who already know they will not be able to display Belarusian symbols and will have to compete as neutrals because of the IOC's demands. The Belarusian president, with his usual forcefulness, addressed those who had complied with the rules.

It's not the first time Lukashenko has used propaganda as a tool and a publicity stunt. He and his government are of the opinion that their presence, together with a good performance, could strengthen his image as the country's leader. "If a Belarusian athlete decides to take part in the Olympics, they will be even more violent. Mood and anger are not small things in sport. They are Belarusians. If they win, it will be a good opportunity to give them a political slap in the face,"he said

Twelve AIN players with Russian passports and seven Belarusians have already earned their places through sporting merit. Although the allocated quota is 55 and 28 respectively, Olympic experts predict that a total of 36 Russians and 22 Belarusians (compared to 330 and 104 respectively from Tokyo 2021) will ultimately secure a place, exceeding both the common sporting minimums for all countries and a number of specific conditions imposed by the IOC.

There are several restrictions, such as the rule approved by the IOC at the end of March, which will prevent Russian and Belarusian athletes from taking part in the parade at the Opening Ceremony scheduled for 26 July. The national anthems of Russia and Belarus will also not be played at Paris 2024. 

In case they did not support the invasion of Ukraine, athletes competing under a neutral flag will be obliged to take part in the parade.

In fact, Ukraine has advised its athletes not to have any contact with the Russian and Belarusian athletes who will be present at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Lukashenko, who has been in power since 1994, is known for his strong statements. One of his most notable actions was to appear at an opposition rally with a Kalashnikov in his hand. He called the demonstrators "rats," according to France 24.

In February 2022, he allowed the passage of the Russian army through his country as a prelude to the conflict of Ukraine from the north."