Further progress is needed in the development of the Union State of Belarus and Russia, creating a common gas market, establishing unified rules for the oil market, ensuring fair prices for processors, and equal operating conditions for entities of both countries. This was stated by President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko in an interview with the Russian magazine "Razvedchik," as reported by a BELTA correspondent.
The development of the Union State was a significant topic of the interview. The President was asked to assess the results achieved recently and the prospects for the future.
"Looking back at the path taken, I can confidently say: the choice in favour of a union with Russia was dictated by life itself. This choice saved our countries from economic catastrophe and loss of sovereignty," emphasised Alexander Lukashenko. He noted that this was particularly acutely felt after the 1998 crisis, when enterprises were shutting down, prices were rising, and people were losing their savings. It was then that it became definitively clear – either the countries would find a solution together, or each would survive alone. "And we found this path – through real economic integration, the creation of joint ventures, and a coordinated social policy," stated the President.
Of course, not everything worked out immediately; at times it seemed that compromise was impossible, but it was always evident that the stakes were not about short-term gain, but about the historical destiny of the peoples.
"We have gone through many trials: financial crises, global economic upheavals, fierce sanctions from the West. Together, we have withstood a serious test of resilience. We withstood it because we created a unique integration format that has no analogues in the world," the head of state pointed out. "At the same time, each country preserves its sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, and state structure. Strong sovereign states make a strong union. That is the formula for the success of any integration."
"Yes, Belarus and Russia have different resources. But therein lies the strength of the Union State. We do not duplicate each other, but organically complement each other, fill gaps, and multiply advantages," he added.
Russia was and remains Belarus's main trading and economic partner. According to the results of 2024, Belarus ranked among the top four countries in the world in terms of trade turnover with Russia and continues to lead among the CIS countries. Trade turnover between the countries has increased sevenfold, reaching almost $60 billion last year, including services.
Increased attention is paid to import substitution projects. For example, a BELAZ mining truck with a carrying capacity of 90 tons and a Russian engine from the Yaroslavl Motor Plant with a capacity of 1050 hp has appeared (previously, only imported engines were used in this class).
However, Alexander Lukashenko considers the tangible improvement in the quality of life of citizens of Belarus and Russia to be the main achievement of the Union State. They enjoy equal rights in the Union State in employment, social security, medical care, education, and pension matters. Preferential mobile communication tariffs have been introduced, electoral rights have been expanded, and the number of flights between regions has increased.
The basis for the further development of the allied relations between the two countries is the deepening of regional integration, the President noted. In this regard, he mentioned the annual Forum of Regions of Belarus and Russia.
"Interaction in the scientific and technical sphere has undergone a serious evolution from supporting individual industries to creating fundamentally new directions. This progress is particularly evident in the space sector. Just imagine: eight joint programs, the first Belarusian female cosmonaut in orbit, an operational joint Earth remote sensing satellite, and a new spacecraft with a record resolution of 35 cm, where the components are ours, and the platform is Russian," the head of state continued.
Active work is underway to create a unified digital space, develop artificial intelligence, and implement smart technologies. "The Belarusian NPP has become a real technological breakthrough and a symbol of the friendship of fraternal peoples," Alexander Lukashenko emphasized. "This is our response to political pressure and a platform for developing our own competencies in the peaceful use of atomic energy."
"However, without the establishment of unified energy markets, it is difficult to expect effective progress. The signed agreement on a common electricity market is only the beginning. We need to move forward: create a common gas market, establish unified rules for the oil market, ensure fair prices for processors, and equal operating conditions for entities of both countries," the Belarusian leader is convinced. "This is the essence of our Union State – not just to help each other, but to create common rules of the game that lead to the formation of a fully-fledged single economic space while preserving the political sovereignty of each country. 25 years ago, we laid the foundation for this. Today, we are building the structure, and tomorrow we will erect an entire city based on the technological sovereignty of our economies. It will certainly have a place for new joint projects, breakthrough technologies, and new discoveries."
Alexander Lukashenko noted that he and Russian President Vladimir Putin often say that the union of Belarus and Russia has stood the test of time. "But today I will say more – it has been tested by life itself. And as long as we remain true to our common ideals, as long as we build a common future together, no one can break us. This is the enduring strength of the Union State, the guarantee of our invincibility," the Belarusian leader stated.