MOSCOW: President Vladimir Putin and Alexander Lukashenko concluded their talks in the Kremlin, which lasted more than five hours. The leaders discussed gas supplies, the prospects for the construction of a nuclear power plant in Belarus, relations between the two countries, and the global situation.
On gas supplies and the new nuclear power plant in Belarus
The Russian President called Minsk a serious partner in the nuclear energy sector. He joked that the launch of the republic's first nuclear power plant had created a competitor for Gazprom:
"As you said yesterday, about 40 percent of electricity is generated by Belarus's nuclear power plant. We've created a competitor for Gazprom, which simply supplied the primary energy source, while Belarus purchased it. Now it's also buying, but, of course, its needs have decreased in this regard."
For his part, Lukashenko assured that Minsk plans to purchase virtually the same volumes of gas from Russia. He also suggested the construction of a nuclear power plant in eastern Belarus, with an eye toward new regions:
"We'll discuss with you today, if you approve, the expansion project or the construction of a new nuclear power plant—perhaps even in eastern Belarus—with the goal, if necessary, of providing electricity to the eastern regions liberated by Russia: Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Luhansk, and Donetsk."
As Putin noted, financing is not an issue if there is a consumer who will take electricity and pay the required tariff.
Lukashenko added that Rosatom has already developed options for further expansion of Belarusian nuclear energy.
Following the talks, the Belarusian president announced that he had reached an agreement with Putin on gas supplies for the next five years.
"We have reached an agreement on oil—we have serious agreements; there are no problems. We have reached an agreement on gas. I think after this conversation, we will finalize these issues. For a five-year period, practically. That was the question—not for one year, but for five years."
Lukashenko added that new nuclear power capacity will be built in the republic, barring "insurmountable circumstances." "
"Personally, I have some doubts about where to build it. Either a third unit at the current station in Ostrovets (in western Belarus – Ed.). Or locate it in the east. Experts and the government suggest building the third unit nearby – it will be cheaper."
He also emphasized that, together with Putin, he gave the necessary instructions to the governments of both countries.
On relations between Moscow and Minsk
During the meeting, Putin emphasized that cooperation within the Union State is expanding, and work on ensuring security is proceeding smoothly:
"Our situation in the economic sphere is very good. This is simply amazing. Trade turnover is over $50 billion, and it continues to grow from such a large base. It grew over the past year, and in the first months of this year, and in the first half of the year."
Russia is Belarus's leading trade and economic partner in terms of accumulated investment, amounting to $4.5 billion.
They also discussed regional issues. Before the meeting, the Belarusian President noted his intention to convey to Putin "all news" and messages, including from the United States.
On the conflict in Ukraine
After the meeting, Lukashenko addressed the conflict in Ukraine in a conversation with journalist Pavel Zarubin. Key statements:
The head of the Kyiv regime will lose all of Ukraine if he doesn't stop;
There are good proposals for resolving the conflict, which have been heeded by Trump, among others;
Russia has taken control of major population centers on all fronts of the North-Eastern Military District; its army will be difficult to stop from now on;
Zelenskyy needs not only to talk to Moscow, but to agree to the terms Washington is proposing that are favorable to Kyiv;
Lukashenko advised Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who is threatening to strike the Kremlin, to calm down;
The Belarusian President would like to speak with the head of the Kyiv regime. According to him, the time has come to enter into consultations and agree to an end to the conflict.
The President of Belarus arrived in Russia on a working visit on Thursday. The day before, he took part in the Global Atomic Forum, marking the 80th anniversary of the Belarusian nuclear industry.
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