The Belarusian Nuclear Power Plant as a gift, focus on people, military prosecutors and a space hospital. The President's nuclear week in review

The meeting was held in connection with the completion of the ambassador's diplomatic mission in Belarus. Therefore, Alexander Lukashenko addressed him with a special request - not to forget about the country and to promote the further development of cooperation in his new position. "If you continue to serve in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan or work somewhere else, remember this. Advise, suggest," said the head of state.

"I very much hope that the four and a half years you have worked in Belarus will be a good stepping stone in your career. This time will remain with you forever, which is natural. The main thing is that you have good memories of our Belarus. We are benevolent people. Like Kyrgyz people, by the way, hospitable. Therefore, you will remember the years spent in Belarus during your diplomatic service with kind words. We sincerely hope that wherever you work in the future, you will be truly our person, a Belarusian one - you will promote Belarus's interests, undoubtedly in the interests of Kyrgyzstan," Alexander Lukashenko expressed his wish.

On shortcomings in working with post-Soviet republics

The head of state admitted that he often thinks about Belarus's interaction with post-Soviet republics. And using Kyrgyzstan as an example, he usually concludes that cooperation proceeds "as God puts it on the soul": "Something remained from the Soviet period. For example, we used to buy sugar beet seeds from you. We probably continue to do so. The quality suits us, and so on. But to develop such a permanent plan, a roadmap, as it is fashionable to say, for cooperation between Belarus and the republics of the former Soviet Union - those that want to cooperate with us - we have not yet approached this."

At the same time, with other countries, including the so-called far arc, such a mechanism is practiced. "We make separate decisions for individual countries. For example, a presidential decree for Russia, China, and so on," the Belarusian leader noted.

Alexander Lukashenko suggested that the issue lies in the approach to cooperation with post-Soviet republics: "They are already ours, we will always establish relations with them. But on the other hand, such a plan is needed."

"And we in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs must have country-specific relationship plans, especially with Kyrgyzstan. We have something to offer the Kyrgyz state. They have a lot that we need. And we must definitely have such ties," the head of state emphasized.

On bilateral prospects

"Regarding our relations, of course, somewhere around $170 million in trade turnover for the last year, but this is nothing between countries. We have such trade turnover with many regions of Russia, and significantly higher. Therefore, we need to increase trade turnover with Kyrgyzstan," said the Belarusian leader.

The Head of State emphasized that the supply of necessary machinery and equipment, and joint production in Kyrgyzstan can be significantly wider in nomenclature than it is now. Currently, cooperation projects for the joint production of elevator equipment and transformers are being implemented there.

"We can produce everything in your country and train your people in technologies. Technologies that you did not have before. For these same transformers, elevators, tractors, cars, and so on. You know what we can produce. And for Kyrgyzstan, the level of technological equipment of a country like Belarus is quite high. We are ready to share these technologies," the President stated.

He noted that at one time, during the Soviet Union, the division of labor between the republics developed in such a way: "You were engaged in one thing, we were engaged in another. Now these technologies are in demand in Kyrgyzstan. We are ready to share them."

The diplomat stated that he fully shares the opinion of the President of Belarus regarding bilateral trade turnover. Indeed, if you look at the absolute figures, they may not seem so large, but in relative terms, there is a positive trend towards increasing mutual trade - $160.2 million for 2022 (an increase of almost 65% compared to 2021) and $103.3 million for January-August of this year (an increase of 24% compared to the same period last year). "If you look at the relative figures, the growth percentages, it (trade turnover. - Editorial note) causes a certain optimism," said the ambassador. "And if you consider that this trend is continuing..."

"Do you mean to say that over the last three years, we have exceeded trade turnover by 2.5 times?" Alexander Lukashenko clarified. "That is true."

PHONE CALL. What was the main topic in the conversation between Lukashenko and Putin

On November 1, Alexander Lukashenko had a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The main topic of the discussion was the upcoming summit of the CSTO heads of state in November. Belarus currently holds the presidency of the organisation. The leaders of the countries also discussed bilateral cooperation, focusing on key areas including energy and import substitution projects.

Alexander Lukashenko and Vladimir Putin also coordinated their positions on current issues of the regional and international agenda.

TO BE OR NOT TO BE. Will Belarus restore the system of military prosecutor's offices?

On November 2, the President convened a meeting on the issue of establishing military prosecutor's offices. "I will not characterise the global situation: you are well aware of it. You are also aware of the situation on our borders. I will simply remind you, before we discuss these issues, that in 2014 a decision was made to abolish the system of military prosecutor's offices," Alexander Lukashenko began the event with these words.

The powers to supervise the enforcement of legislation in the Armed Forces, other troops and military formations of Belarus were then transferred to civilian prosecutor's offices. This decision was made under different circumstances and was aimed, among other things, at reducing staff numbers as part of the reform of the state apparatus, as well as reducing budget expenditures.

"In 2014, at a broader meeting, we decided to reduce the military prosecutor's office. I will not recall the reasons for this, the motivation. But a logical question arises: has the situation in the field where prosecutors are supposed to monitor the uniform and precise observance of our laws changed? Probably. The question arises: has it changed so much that we need to establish military prosecutor's offices today, recreate them?" the President asked.

The Prosecutor General proposed the establishment of the Main Military Prosecutor's Office and inter-garrison military prosecutor's offices as an effective measure. "We need to make a decision on this issue," emphasised the Belarusian leader.

Alexander Lukashenko asked the meeting participants about the established practice in other countries. He also noted that alternative opinions had been expressed regarding the expediency of establishing a system of military prosecutor's offices: such structures are necessary, but only in wartime conditions.

"Another question: God forbid a war breaks out – we will quickly establish prosecutor's offices. Can we manage without them? If we can't, perhaps we should. If we can, why? And in general, this is the main question: where did it come from, why is it raised today, by prosecutors primarily? And the main question is: is it necessary today or not to recreate the system of prosecutorial supervision that existed before 2014," the President said. "I have invited you here to discuss these issues and make a decision."

As Prosecutor General Andrei Shved noted, the prosecutor's offices are working to enhance the effectiveness of supervisory activities in all areas. A number of departmental initiatives have been implemented and are yielding results today. "In connection with the developing military-political situation near our borders, we have analysed the organisation of supervision over legality in troops abroad, including during military conflicts. All over the world, military prosecutors are an essential element of the national security system. Their functions are universally employed in all military conflicts," reported the head of the supervisory body.

Summing up the meeting after discussing the issues on the agenda, Alexander Lukashenko noted that it is too early to make a decision on establishing a system of military prosecutor's offices. There is no need to rush, as there is no emergency situation, the President emphasised.

However, it is necessary to improve prosecutorial supervision and increase its effectiveness, including in military units. According to the head of state, the foundation of this future system needs to be crystallised within the Prosecutor General's Office today (train personnel, understand the format of work, establish interdepartmental interaction) so that, over time, if such a need arises, appropriate decisions can be promptly made.

A GIFT TO THE PEOPLE. How the Belarusian NPP is important for the country and how electricity reserves will be used

On Friday, November 3, during a working trip to the Ostrovets District of the Grodno Region, Alexander Lukashenko visited the Belarusian Nuclear Power Plant, where the second power unit was finally commissioned. The plant is complete, and this has become a kind of gift to the residents of the region and all the Belarusian people for the anniversary of the October Revolution, which is celebrated on November 7 and is a public holiday in Belarus.

We will return to the theme of the holiday and the symbolism of the event in Ostrovets below, but it should be noted immediately that Alexander Lukashenko addressed the topic of the Belarusian Nuclear Power Plant (BelNPP) and the issue of increasing electricity accessibility for the population not only at the end of the working week but also on Tuesday, October 31. He received a relevant report at the Palace of Independence. The report was delivered to the Head of State by the Vice-Premier overseeing the industry, Petr Parkhomchik, and the Minister of Energy, Viktor Karankevich. Among the participants of the report was also the Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration, Maksim Ermolovich.

Alexander Lukashenko emphasized that the safety of the plant is the number one issue and instructed to refine all nuances in cooperation with Rosatom. "We are a Chernobyl republic. Even the slightest leniency in the construction of a nuclear power plant is unacceptable for us. People will never forgive us for that. Therefore, these are our stringent requirements regarding all sorts of nuances," the President explained the principled and firm stance of the Belarusian side. "As I am informed, the main components, including this 'nuclear island', are in order. It is functioning, it is operating. However, the details need to be polished and brought into compliance."

And one more point. Although the plant is completed, which is a cause for celebration, the commissioning deadlines have been slightly shifted due to the Russian side. And Belarus, in accordance with the previously concluded agreement, has rightfully raised the issue of compensation. "This should not be concealed. There was nothing extraordinary about it. But such issues were raised due to the violation of the plant's commissioning deadlines, and the Russian side bears responsibility for this. They offered us options regarding the price of fresh nuclear fuel – the same as for Russians, as for their own plants. And a five-year warranty period (for the main components. – Ed.)" noted the Head of State.

He inquired about the opinion of the responsible officials on whether these concessions from Rosatom satisfy the Belarusian side, but warned that it is not advisable to "put too much pressure on the Russians" in this matter.

On Relying on People and the "Electric Miracle"

The Head of State noted that due to the commissioning of the Belarusian NPP, electricity generation in the country is increasing. "We already had enough electricity in general. For industry, for agriculture, and to some extent for people. Now some, I wouldn't say surplus (electricity generation volumes. - Ed.), reserves are appearing," stated Alexander Lukashenko.

He stated that electricity consumption will grow, and in this regard, the country has focused on supporting people. For example, this applies to the use of electricity for heating residential buildings. "We focused on people. We looked at the heating of a settlement (in Novaya Okolitsa near Minsk. - Ed.), which Deputy Prime Minister Sivak is building. I must say, it's a marvel – clean, neat. It can't even be compared to gas boilers and heating. I'm not even talking about coal and so on. The climate is changing, this is very important for us," said the President.

The Head of State emphasized that the use of electricity for heating residential buildings is not only cost-effective but also a clean and safe technology.

"Therefore, we were right to focus on offering electricity to people. And the prices are acceptable. People say it's even cheaper than gas heating. These are incomparable things. But we are lagging somewhere in terms of networks (in terms of their capacity to provide this opportunity to everyone who wants it. - Ed.)," noted Alexander Lukashenko.

Currently, it is not possible to satisfy approximately 10-15% of the corresponding requests from citizens. The Head of State was assured that systematic work is being carried out to resolve this issue. And although much has already been done, it is not enough – there is a sharp increase in demand from the population.

"Therefore, we need to expand the networks. Roughly speaking, so that this wire goes directly to a person's home. If people have been promised something, it must be done. Yes, it has increased sharply. Naturally: people are not stupid, they see, they feel that this is a very profitable matter. Well, and there is electricity. We need to help our people. That's what we live and work for – to help people," instructed the Belarusian leader.

In the same vein, the issue of expanding the use of electric transport is also relevant. "We are developing it more and more. This is also correct. It turns out that we realized this in time and started developing this area," noted Alexander Lukashenko.

At the same time, the President drew attention to the fact that, despite the emergence of reserves, it is undesirable for other capacities to be idle or operated in a so-called cold mode. He cited Berezovskaya and Lukomlskaya GRES as examples. As reported to the head of state, there are good and very beneficial options for loading the state, and work in this direction has been instructed to continue.

On the symbolism and importance of a people's gift

On Friday, Alexander Lukashenko not only visited the Belarusian NPP, where he was presented with the symbolic passport of the station, but also visited Ostrovets itself, familiarised himself with the socio-economic development of the district, inspected the local hospital equipped with all the necessary modern equipment, and spoke with the town's residents.

During his communication with representatives of work collectives, the head of state said that at one time, when establishing state holidays, it was decided to keep the Day of the October Revolution in the calendar of festive dates. But the President advocated for filling it with some meaning. In Soviet times, gifts were presented to the people for such holidays – landmark facilities were commissioned. Thus, this tradition has been preserved in sovereign Belarus. "I won't say that it has taken root 100% yet, but people are getting used to it. You have probably noticed (we are widely covering this in the media) that we try to commission some facilities for these holidays," the Belarusian leader noted.

Considering that Alexander Lukashenko himself was the initiator of the construction of the Belarusian NPP at one time, he came to the Ostrovets district for the final opening of the station to present this gift to the people. He stressed that this is an absolutely clean technology – the most modern and safe station. "This is a normal facility. I won't say it's more dangerous than others. But it must be operated responsibly," the President said.

The head of state stated that the construction of the Belarusian NPP, among other things, helped to "breathe life into this northwestern region." The President recalled that this was the practice in previous years – Grodno officials mainly dealt with territories around Grodno, and therefore, when Vladimir Karanik was appointed head of the region, Alexander Lukashenko specifically asked to pay attention to more remote areas as well. Naturally, the very fact of the construction of such a facility as the Belarusian NPP allowed the Ostrovets district to strengthen and increase its human capital and, according to a number of indicators, become a regional leader.

"Ostrovec has fundamentally changed. It has become a different district. If in 2010 it was a small agricultural district, where agriculture accounted for 51%, with the rest being trade and a little construction, then according to data for the first nine months of this year, industry accounts for 90%. The district has changed not only itself – it has changed the face of the region," the governor reported to the President.

A tremendous amount of work has been done to develop the district's infrastructure. Br467.5 million has been invested in this. This is an unprecedented investment in human capital. If in 2010 the birth rate in the district was almost 2% lower than the regional average, now it is 30% higher.

But the most important thing is that the Belarusian Nuclear Power Plant (BelNPP) is the foundation for the country's further development. "I understood that there is no prospect without clean energy, without electricity we cannot develop," said the President, again mentioning the construction project in Novaya Okolitsa and plans for the development of power grids.

In general, nuclear energy is one of the sectors that fundamentally influences the country's image and its level of development. Just like the space technology sector, which Belarus is developing jointly with Russia. Or the production of the Belarusian National Biotechnology Corporation, which opened relatively recently, with the help of friends from China.

"A good power plant. This is the future. Naturally, this region will always be in the spotlight. It will develop," said the head of state. "Three years ago, when launching the first power unit, I said that a historic day had come: the era of peaceful atom began (and today we are also a nuclear power in terms of nuclear weapons). And indeed, having received this wonderful facility as a gift for November 7th in the difficult year of 2020, and today the second unit, we did the right thing by creating this miracle."

The President noted that the benefits of nuclear energy are obvious: it will allow industry and agriculture to work more efficiently and make citizens' lives in the country more comfortable due to cheap electricity.

By the way, the CEO of Rosatom himself assures that the BelNPP will serve for at least 60 years, but there are already grounds to expect that this period could be 100 years. According to him, Russian specialists built the NPP in Belarus "as if for themselves" and will treat it the same way during the operation phase, including warranty service, spare parts supply, repair work, personnel training, and so on.

On When Belarusians Will Be "In Chocolate" and Discussions About a Second Nuclear Power Plant

The Belarusian Nuclear Power Plant (BelNPP) has just been commissioned, and Alexander Lukashenko is already raising the issue of further possible steps in the development of nuclear energy in Belarus. For now, it is purely theoretical and in a discussion format. However, knowing the Belarusian President, the transition from theory to practice often does not take much time. Moreover, there is a certain financial reserve – during the construction of the plant, Belarus saved a significant amount from the credit resources initially allocated by the Russian side, without compromising quality and safety.

But let's take things in order. The topic was first raised during a report on October 31st. Its discussion took place behind closed doors. "Theoretically, we are reasoning about a second nuclear power plant. I would like to hear your point of view in this regard," said the head of state.

And on Friday, while visiting the BelNPP, the head of state returned to the issue of creating new nuclear capacities at least three times. In a conversation near the BelNPP model with the Director General of Rosatom, Alexey Likhachev, Alexander Lukashenko inquired where a third power unit could be located on this site if such a need arises in the future.

The head of Rosatom noted that there would be no problems with the construction of another unit at the BelNPP. There is an opportunity to develop the site. "We actually consider the energy system as, if not unified, then largely very complementary between Russia and Belarus. In this sense, our energy ministries and our governments should develop a plan," explained Alexey Likhachev.

Then, Russian journalists asked Alexander Lukashenko what the remaining Russian credit resources, which were saved during the construction of the BelNPP, could be used for, "taking into account healthy Belarusian pragmatism."

On the one hand, less was borrowed – less to repay, but at the same time, discussions are underway in Belarus about the prospect of doubling nuclear energy capacities. "We would like to double it. Then the Belarusians will be in chocolate," said Alexander Lukashenko.

As possible ways to implement this idea, the President mentioned the construction of a second plant at a different site (in the Mogilev region) or the construction of a third power unit at the BelNPP. "This (the construction of the third unit. – Ed.) will be significantly cheaper. And there you have it, the capacity increases by half," noted the head of state.

"The main thing for me was not only to build the station, but to possess the competencies that Russians have. We have obtained them," the Belarusian leader emphasized. He mentioned that he had once agreed with the President of Russia to discuss what to do with the volume of saved credit resources upon completion of the construction of the Belarusian NPP.

In response to questions from Ostrovets residents, Alexander Lukashenko further elaborated on the topic: "Where to build – this needs to be calculated. It will probably be cheaper here. Because, in addition to the construction itself, enterprises were built that manufactured and welded units and assemblies. Transporting them is not a big problem, but it will be cheaper on-site. If we build (this decision has not been made, it is a discussion; but it's good that you understand that it is necessary, it is the future), then I will report to you and consult with you before making such a decision. The current electricity reserve will be enough not only for my lifetime but also for your children. But who knows how the world will develop. Let there be a second station. I am in favor of this. Therefore, we are discussing this issue."

The head of state also announced specific figures regarding the funds saved during construction. "They gave us a very favorable loan. The day before yesterday I spoke with Putin: out of the $10.5 billion they allocated to us, we have used only $6 billion. Economically. With the remaining money, in principle, we can build almost two units," the President said. "Therefore, this can also be a source of funding – the saved money."

About the luxurious hospital in Ostrovets

The President familiarized himself with the work of the Ostrovets Central District Clinical Hospital. The chief physician, Vladimir Mozheyko, provided the President with detailed information about the institution's activities.

"Vladimir Stepanovich (Governor of the Grodno Region Vladimir Karanik. – Ed.) says you live like in space – the hospital is like that," noted Alexander Lukashenko. He visited the departments of radiation diagnostics, physiotherapy, and transfusiology.

"What can I say, it's a luxurious hospital," the head of state assessed. "This is what I was counting on: that it would be one of the beacons, a showcase facility, how we would build and service others."

The Ostrovets Central District Clinical Hospital comprises an inpatient medical and diagnostic complex, a polyclinic, a nursing care hospital with a general practitioner's clinic, three general practitioner's clinics, 15 paramedic and obstetric stations, a health centre at the Belarusian Nuclear Power Plant construction site, and a health centre at the state enterprise "Belarusian Nuclear Power Plant". The Central District Clinical Hospital not only serves the population of the Ostrovets District but also acts as an interregional and interdistrict diagnostic and treatment centre.

Alexander Lukashenko emphasised that the operational system of healthcare institutions at various levels is an important issue. The President has returned to this matter on several occasions recently. "There should be no excesses. But we shouldn't cut back foolishly either: FAPs and so on. Where it's needed, it's needed," he said.

On the Gigafactory, Nuclear Medicine Centre, and Other Prospects with Rosatom

During his visit to the Belarusian NPP, the Head of State raised the issue of further cooperation prospects with Rosatom. "I don't want to let you go from Belarus," he told Director General Alexey Likhachev.

"And we don't want to leave," replied the head of Rosatom.

Alexey Likhachev highlighted the comfortable and fruitful work at the facility alongside Belarusian specialists. He invited the Belarusian side to also participate in Rosatom's foreign construction projects. Belarusian companies and specialists are already involved in the construction of a large nuclear power plant in Egypt, and there are agreements for their potential participation in the construction of a NPP in Hungary.

"As our presence on the global market expands, we will continue to move forward hand in hand," assured Alexey Likhachev.

He stressed, and the President of Belarus supported this point, that when planning for the future, one should think not in terms of decades, but rather calculate based on prospects for 60-70 years. For example, it is already evident that there will be a higher level of electric mobility, which requires electricity generation. In this sense, sustainable green nuclear energy is the foundation. "We need appropriate charging stations and mechanisms. We have something to learn from Belarus in this regard. You are moving forward in this respect," noted the head of Rosatom.

Alexander Lukashenko stated in this regard that he had discussed with Russian President Vladimir Putin the electrification of the highway from Brest to Kazan and, further, the creation of infrastructure for electric transport. Moreover, technologies in this sphere are advancing. "Pakhomchik has already learned from your energy specialists how to refuel a bus with electricity on the move. A wire of one and a half kilometers or so. He raised the 'horns', drove one and a half kilometers - he is ready, the battery is charged. This is great progress - no need to stop," the head of state said.

Alexey Likhachev put forward a number of proposals for the development of cooperation with Belarus, not only in the field of nuclear technologies. For example, it is proposed to consider the possibility of creating a gigafactory in Belarus. Such production already exists in Russia, where accumulators and key electronic components for electric transport are manufactured. And given the active development of the electric transport sector, there is an opportunity to implement a similar project in Belarus. "We have localized production, technology. We adapt it as much as possible to the Russian technological landscape. We are already supplying you. These are BELAZ, Belkommunmash, and MAZ - traction batteries," noted Alexey Likhachev.

Since Belarus is a machine-building power, he proposed a solution for the so-called trolley - the entire platform, which includes not only the charger but also the engine and control system. "But it is very important for us to concentrate this in one place," explained the head of Rosatom. "To follow the path of localization, and then the creation of a gigafactory here (in Belarus. - Ed.) - this is very correct." In his opinion, the creation of a gigafactory in Belarus is "not a dream, but a quite achievable task."

By the way, Alexander Lukashenko later that day, in communication with the residents of Ostrovets, hinted that soon there would be something to present to the people in terms of creating a domestic passenger electric car. At least, the Deputy Prime Minister promised the President to surprise him soon. "I say: have they really made an electric car? - Well, you'll come, we'll show you. So let's wait. In the near future, in December, he said. But I know that they are making their own electric car. The body will be like a Geely's. It's good, people like it. Electric buses and the like, electric trams - we already have them, they are bought from us all over the world," the Belarusian leader shared the details.

Another area where Rosatom is ready to share experience and technologies is the creation of a nuclear medicine center in the country. According to Alexey Likhachev, its establishment could become one of the projects within the framework of the Union State.

There are prospects for developing cooperation in other areas, including industry, digital and additive technologies. The Russian state corporation is already cooperating with Belarusian scientific and healthcare institutions in several areas. For example, linear accelerators for remote therapy are being supplied. Alexey Likhachev proposed including Belarusian medical institutions in the supply system for the most modern radiopharmaceuticals.

"We propose (and the first steps have already been taken) to open a center for additive technologies in Belarus. This is the future of mechanical engineering, and personnel need to be trained, technologies implemented, there is still work to be done," Alexey Likhachev clarified.

He separately touched upon the topic of digital technology development in Belarus and admitted that about five years ago he was surprised to learn that the competencies of a number of enterprises exceeded even Rosatom's level. The state corporation has organized joint projects with some of them.

Some of the proposals for joint activities concerned work with industrial waste and the creation of alliances in the field of wind energy.

Summarizing all that has been said, Alexey Likhachev noted that a draft intergovernmental memorandum and programs are planned to be prepared jointly with the Belarusian side.

SENT BY MADMEN. Where Lukashenko suggested directing Lithuanian notes regarding the Belarusian NPP

The President was also asked by Russian journalists about the note from the Lithuanian side in connection with the commissioning of the second power unit. "Madmen sent the note. The people of Lithuania have nothing to do with these madmen. Believe me, I know what is happening there. The leadership lives separately. I even know the grandfathers and parents of those who are currently leading Lithuania," said Alexander Lukashenko.

He recalled that at one time he invited specialists from the Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant, which was closed in Lithuania, to come to Belarus, and offered cooperation without any hidden agenda. "But they (the Lithuanian authorities. - Ed.) followed the orders of certain people from overseas and pursued a different policy," the President noted. "This is not the first note. Let them send them. We have enough space in the toilets. So let them send them."

Alexander Lukashenko emphasized that the construction process of the Belarusian NPP was absolutely transparent, which was confirmed by the IAEA. Foreign journalists were also invited.

"If they don't want to, then so be it. We are not particularly worried about this issue," the Belarusian leader summarised.

Alexander Lukashenko expressed a similar view on this topic when communicating with the residents of Ostrovets.

THEY WON'T GO ANYWHERE. Are there prospects for restoring normal relations with Poland and Lithuania?

One of the questions posed to the President by residents of the border Ostrovets district concerned the possibility of restoring relations between Belarus and neighbouring Poland and Lithuania, especially in the context of recent elections in one of these countries and upcoming elections in the other. The President was asked whether voters in Lithuania could compel their government to work in the interests of their state, rather than dancing to the tune of Washington or Brussels.

"I have absolutely no doubt about it. Both Lithuania – we will restore relations, and Poland – they won't go anywhere. The main principle is that neighbours cannot live badly. I always say: neighbours are from God, you don't choose them," said Alexander Lukashenko. "There are disagreements, quarrels, and so on – these are transient times. Times will come when we will live with them as we always have, even during Soviet times..."

The Head of State emphasised that Belarus is not to blame for the current situation between the countries, although various claims and discontent have been voiced by Lithuania, for example. In particular, regarding the construction of the Belarusian Nuclear Power Plant. "I told them back then: Lithuanians, think again, we will build this plant anyway. Neither the Americans, nor the Europeans, nor anyone else will prevent us from building it. We make decisions about what to do on our land. And we built it," Alexander Lukashenko recalled.

Moreover, Belarus has expressed its readiness, both then and now, to hire specialists from Lithuania for the NPP and to supply electricity there. "I offered it to them in a human way. But you are right, they are not the ones running the country there," the President remarked.

The President clarified that he does not expect significant changes in Poland's policy due to Donald Tusk's rise to power, whom Alexander Lukashenko described as a pro-European politician, while "Law and Justice" (PiS) is a more pro-American party. "But this does not mean that the policy towards Belarus will change tomorrow. We are talking to them through closed channels, they are presenting me with some conditions: 'Let this one go, let that one go.' He broke the law, how can I let him go? There must be certain conditions for that," the head of state noted. "We are a sovereign independent state. We will pursue the policy that is in the interests of our people. That says it all. If they are ready for that, tomorrow we are ready to shake hands anywhere and cooperate with them."

Alexander Lukashenko is convinced that sooner or later neighboring countries will restore relations.

Russian journalists also asked the President about the prospects for restoring normal cooperation with Western neighbors. After all, it was initially planned to supply part of the electricity from the Belarusian Nuclear Power Plant precisely there.

The head of state stated that everything has a tendency to change. "And I am sure that the main principle of a buyer is 'where it's cheaper, and the quality is normal - buy there'," he said.

Alexander Lukashenko is confident that the electricity supply conditions would be attractive for Lithuania and Latvia themselves.

UKRAINE WILL BE OURS. What Lukashenko warned Zelensky about

During his conversation with the residents of Ostrovets, Alexander Lukashenko stated that due to the escalation of the situation in the Middle East, Ukraine is receding into the background. "Ukraine will be ours anyway. Nobody needs this Ukraine," the head of state said. "The skirmish in the Middle East... I warned them when the war started, I called Zelensky: 'Volodya, listen to me, an experienced person, I've been working for more than one year. As soon as there's any skirmish somewhere, they will forget about you.' And what is happening? Ukraine is receding into the background (due to the escalation in the Middle East. - Ed.)."

"You have to think with your head before dragging the country into one adventure or another," the President added. He illustrated his words with the example of Afghanistan when the Americans left: "They abandoned and left. It will be exactly the same here. They (the USA. - Ed.) are far away, they are big, they don't need this for a hundred years. Their policy is mud, mud, mud. To stir something up and in this muddy water... You know, it's easier to catch fish there. That's their policy. And everything else is expendable, like in Ukraine today."

"Therefore, this region (Ukraine. - Ed.) is our region. In the sense that we will be together," Alexander Lukashenko continued. According to him, sooner or later "Europe will crawl to us, to Russia." "Because Europe is being torn apart by the Americans as they please today. And it cannot resist, because everything in it is tied to the American market - loans, property, and so on," the President said.

Furthermore, the behaviour of politicians there often runs counter to the interests of the people and countries. "You see what kind of politicians they are. I look at them as an experienced person - sometimes I want to cry," the head of state noted. "They don't think about the people. They serve a term, two, then they go, steal something, put it in their pocket and leave somewhere. Exactly like that, they say, Zelensky is also preparing to flee somewhere."

Answering questions from Russian journalists about previous plans to export electricity to neighbouring EU countries, Alexander Lukashenko recalled Ukraine. Sooner or later, the country will need to be rebuilt, and a large volume of work will be required. This means that electricity capacity will also be in demand. "We won't get away from Ukraine. We will have to work in Ukraine. No Americans, no West will help them. Vladimir Vladimirovich (Putin. - Ed.) and I talk about this a lot. They (Ukrainians. - Ed.) will come to us for help. A huge amount of work. We will have to help the Ukrainians," the President said.

DO NOT LET PEOPLE DOWN. Why Lukashenko often delves into non-presidential matters

Another topic raised with people in Ostrovets concerned how Alexander Lukashenko recently reacted to an appeal addressed to him by shareholders of one of the houses under construction in Minsk.

According to the head of state, he receives many different appeals and questions. Some of them are responded to publicly. In this case, the President was shown a video recording of the shareholders' appeal posted online. People complained about the rising cost of construction.

Alexander Lukashenko stated that he immediately reacted by contacting the Chairman of the Minsk City Executive Committee and instructing him to investigate the situation: "I said: why are you offending people? Why were no measures taken? An agreement was concluded with one of the districts (of Minsk. - Ed.), and then this agreement was transferred to the Capital Construction Department of the City Executive Committee."

As a result, instructions were given to do everything strictly according to the agreement. "There, you see, inflation, materials have become more expensive... - Alexander Lukashenko briefly described the explanation of the capital's mayor. - I said, did you specify this in the agreement? - No. - Then go and build as per the agreement. If you had foreseen this in the agreement, people might not have complained. People complain that we, the state, do not comply with the concluded agreement."

At the same time, Alexander Lukashenko drew attention to the fact that such issues should still be resolved at a lower level. "It is becoming the norm for our people: let's write (an appeal. - Ed.), throw it in - the President will decide. This is not even the governor's issue, but those who concluded the agreement, - he noted. - The President has issues: the nuclear power plant, space, something else... To provide you with natural gas, oil, etc. for the winter, to sell, to organise..."

By the way, among the information about various problems that enters the public domain, there is a lot of falsehood, especially if their source is "opposition, fugitive resources". "Specifically to agitate the people," the President is confident.

Nevertheless, all information about certain problematic issues is responded to and thoroughly investigated. Including, Alexander Lukashenko personally delves into many issues. He explained why he considers this important for himself. The fact is that since the very first elections, when citizens believed in him and, to a certain extent, risked voting for a young President, he remembers that he must not let people down. Including for this reason, he always strictly holds people accountable for the situation in pricing, and for many other emerging problematic issues.

Source: belta.by