When the going gets tough, the tough go … blond?

Belarus is screwed. Yesterday, the country was forced to freeze prices on key foodstuffs in a bid to stave off hoarding as people prepare for the worst. (The Belarus ruble lost 36 percent of its value in one day this month, after the government was forced to devalue its currency.)

Today, the authoritarian nation applied for a loan from the IMF. In response, Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt tweeted: “Belarus been forced to ask for IMF help. Collapse complete. But politics must change. Otherwise no help.” So good luck with that. (Read about the causes of the crisis in Belarus from GlobalPost’s David Stern here.)

But why let a disastrous financial crisis stop you from having a good time, right? Take a look at this photo report from Radio Free Europe’s Belarus service. Apparently, it’s International Blond Day there. Enjoy.