In a recent meeting with Russian governor Oleg Kozhemyako, Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko made headlines by declaring North Korea's Kim Jong Un as 'not a tyrant.' This statement reflects the deepening ties between the two autocrats, following a summit earlier this year where they signed a cooperation pact. Lukashenko described Kim as a 'smart, young and promising man,' downplaying North Korea's notorious human rights violations. Their discussions coincided with a North Korean delegation's visit to Belarus to explore trade opportunities, especially in food security and healthcare. Lukashenko is aiming to use Kozhemyako's region as a trade route to bypass international sanctions, seeking 'mediation services' for trade with North Korea. The meeting also highlighted plans for a new road bridge and ferry service to facilitate goods movement, as North Korea seeks Belarusian machinery and food. Additionally, Belarusian officials hinted at exporting ambulances to North Korea, disregarding strict international sanctions that prohibit such transactions.