Lukashenko answered questions from Russian journalists, commenting on doubling nuclear power capacities, aid to Ukraine and Lithuania’s note
During his visit to the Belarusian nuclear power plant, the President answered questions from Russian journalists, BelTA reports
The Head of State was asked what – ‘taking into account healthy Belarusian pragmatism’ – the Russian credit resources saved during the construction of the Belarusian nuclear power plant could be used for, and Aleksandr Lukashenko replied, “Less taken – less given away. It is natural. As for distribution power grids [the saved funds can be spent on their development], we have absolutely no problems. If something is needed, then it is not a problem.”
According to the President, prospects of doubling the nuclear power capacity are being discussed in Belarus. “We would like to double it, and Belarusians will then be in clover,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said, noting that construction of the second station at another site (in the Mogilev region) or construction of the third power unit at the Belarusian NPP could be among the possible ways to implement this idea. “This [construction of the third unit] will be much cheaper, and the output capacity will accordingly be increased by half,” he added.
"The main thing for me was not just to build a station, but to have the competencies that Russians have. We have got this,” the Belarusian leader stressed. He said that he had once agreed with the President of Russia to discuss, upon completion of the construction of the Belarusian NPP, how to deal with the saved credit resources.
The Belarusian leader was also asked about exports of electricity generated by the Belarusian station. Initially, it was supposed to supply it to the western neighbours as well. In this regard, the question followed on whether common sense would prevail there, or, perhaps, the neighbours would be forced to import Belarusian electricity for their needs. Aleksandr Lukashenko stated that everything tends to change. "I am sure that buyers are guided by the main principle: to buy from those who offer a lower price,” he said.
The Head of State believes that the terms of electricity supply would be attractive for Lithuania and Latvia. “Meanwhile, we are missing the main point: we will not get away from Ukraine. We will have to work in Ukraine. No Americans, no West will help them. We discuss this topic a lot together Vladimir Vladimirovich [Putin]. They [Ukrainians] will come to us for help. Much work lies ahead, we will have to help Ukrainians," he said.
Aleksandr Lukashenko supported the thesis of the Rosatom CEO that it is necessary to look not a decade ahead, but half a century. The economy is developing, and much more energy will be needed in the future. In addition, obsolete power capacities will need to be replaced one way or another.
The President was also asked about the note sent by Lithuania in connection with the commissioning of the second power unit. “Those mad from there have sent the note. The people of Lithuania have nothing to do with these madmen. Believe me, I know what is happening there. Top officials live their own life there. I know even the grandfathers and parents of those who lead Lithuania today," he said.
The Head of State recalled that he had once invited specialists from the Ignalina NPP closed in Lithuania to come to Belarus, offering co-operation, with no vile intent at all, “But they [Lithuanian authorities] were building a different policy, following the command of certain people from overseas. This is not the first note, and they can continue sending them. We can use them as toilet paper. Therefore, they can keep sending them.”
Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed that the construction process of the Belarusian NPP was absolutely open, and that was confirmed by IAEA. Even foreign journalists were invited to cover it. “However, they are free to do how they wish. We are not particularly worried about this," the Belarusian leader summed up.
