Lukashenko: those who venture out to the frontline in sanctions war will suffer a setback

Belarus and Russia have learned to jointly resist sanctions pressure but those who have ventured out to the frontline could suffer a setback – as stated by the President of Belarus, Aleksandr Lukashenko, following his meeting with the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, BelTA reports

Speaking of the topic of his negotiations with the Russian President, Aleksandr Lukashenko noted that the talk was definitely focused on the Union State – among other issues. He recalled that, in November 2021, the decree of the Supreme State Council On the Guidelines to Implement the Union State Treaty in 2021-2023 was signed, and a package of twenty-eight Union State programmes was developed.

"We have progressed by around 30 percent in the implementation of these programmes,” Belarus’ Head of State said, adding that both states are now focusing on the realisation of the programmes in the tax sphere, customs co-operation, and formation of a unified gas market.

Another range of issues was devoted to the economy. “Pleasingly, we worked quite well last year. Despite various pandemics and viruses, we increased our trade turnover to almost $40bn,” the President stressed. "It is important that the Belarusian and Russian economies were actively growing throughout the year: in terms of GDP, industrial production, and many other areas of the real sector."

"Of course, we discussed mostly not successes but the problematic issues. There are fewer of them now, but they are still here. Other issues under discussion were the measures to support the economy, strengthen financial stability, increase business activity, and develop co-operation," the Belarusian leader added.

According to Aleksandr Lukashenko, the enhanced sanctions pressure on both countries was also in focus. “Of course, we have already learned how to resist these sanctions; we have become stronger. We have stated this, and the bilateral trade turnover confirms this. Nevertheless, we have to pay much attention to countering the sanctions pressure – and we have talked a lot about this today – since the economic banditry and an attempt to impose an economic war on us, that has already been unleashed against us, cost a good deal.”

"Actually, those who have ventured out to the frontline in the sanctions war will suffer no less – or even much more," Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasised. In this regard, he expressed gratitude to the President of Russia for his support. “I am grateful to you, Vladimir Vladimirovich, for the orders you have just given to the Russian Federation’s leadership – not hiding anything from me, and in my presence,” he addressed Vladimir Putin.

Aleksandr Lukashenko expressed confidence that both states will stand their ground and strengthen their positions. “It is already clear that we, Belarusians and Russians, will stand our ground and get out of this hybrid war. We see how co-operation in industry has intensified, dozens of new commodity items have emerged in the structure of our bilateral trade, and how our foreign trade flows are diversifying. The world is big: it is impossible to lock all gates and block all transport routes."