The leaders of the countries will discuss issues of integration and security.
Photo: REUTERS
On the gangway of the plane, Alexander Lukashenko himself met Putin himself, with bread, salt and a bouquet of roses. The Russian leader politely tasted the bread, handed the flowers to his assistant, briefly shook hands with his colleague Nikolai’s son, and invited the Belarusian colleague to his Aurus.
It was officially reported that the leaders of the countries would discuss integration and security issues. But the Telegram channels heard rumors that behind closed doors the presidents would talk about the direct participation of Belarus in the special operation. It is not for nothing that Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu flew to Minsk with Putin (by the way, he was in civilian clothes). But the Russian leader himself rejected these rumors:
“Today we agree to summarize the results of negotiations between governments and departments in the economic field,” he said.
As for the participation of Belarus in the Russian special operation, Alexander Lukashenko answered this question many times: he will form an army only if Ukraine attacks first. And all the “news” about the beginning of mobilization in the country were regularly refuted or simply not confirmed by real actions.
In fact, the purpose of the meeting between the two presidents is much more prosaic and lies on the surface. It was announced this Monday by the Belarusian Ministry of Energy itself: so far, Moscow and Minsk have not agreed on gas prices for the republic.
– There are advances in allied programs. But not everything went smoothly, and this makes development difficult. On sensitive issues, governments have exhausted their negotiation possibilities. Governments believe that it is impossible to reach an agreement without us. Well, let’s discuss and make decisions, – Lukashenka began the conversation.
And although a year ago, when all 28 Union State integration programs were signed in Moscow, a lot was said that now there are no barriers, but for some reason they remain.
– Belarus is our ally in the most direct sense. In the economic sphere, we try to resolve issues based on these data. Regarding the economy, this is our priority. If some problems are not resolved, we will find solutions,” Putin replied.
The main issue for which we will have to find a solution is gas. One of the programs for the creation of the State of the Union is a single gas market. That is, Belarus will buy it at Russian domestic prices. At one time, Lukashenka was even outraged that his republic pays more for gas than the Smolensk region.
The price of the Russian ally, although extra low ($128.5 per thousand cubic meters), is still higher than in the domestic market. In addition, it is indexed to inflation each year. And every year before the increase, negotiations are resumed.
Another issue is the military industry. The Russian leader mentioned industrial cooperation and the development of technological industries.
