Lukashenko calls Belarusians "Russians with a quality mark"

Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko, speaking at the "Call of Polesie" festival, described Belarusians as "Russians with a quality mark." He also claimed that Belarusians are a nation that "absorbed the habits and customs of the people of Israel." The remarks drew widespread ridicule and condemnation for their bizarre and offensive nature.