Events

MINSK, 26 August (BelTA) – Claims that Belarus is willing to exploit Russia’s hardships are idiotic. Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko made the relevant statement on the air of the TV channel Belarus One, BelTA has learned.

The Belarusian head of state said that although he and President of Russia Vladimir Putin are friends, they often ask each other very harsh questions. “I may be more inclined to talk about it openly. Due to my character. There is nothing under the surface here. There are no nasty thoughts, which various idiots sometimes come up with, particularly in Russia. I cannot describe them otherwise. I took a note of one of their phrases: ‘When the Russian Federation is affected by sanctions, Lukashenko seizes the moment in order to demand something from Russia.’ Totally idiotic! Beyond any criticism,” stated Alexander Lukashenko.

In his words, the fact that Russia is affected by sanctions has a negative effect on Belarus, too. “Russia is our key partner. Watch this: they’ve started talking about sanctions, about a new wave that Americans are allegedly prepared to enforce against Russia and the exchange rate of the Russian ruble plummets as a result. Do we benefit from it?” wondered the head of state. “In the past due to the last great decline in the value of the Russian ruble we lost about $3 billion due to differences in currency exchange rates alone.”

“What can I demand of Russia when Russia is in a difficult position? When Russia is fine, it can buy a lot of Belarusian products. Moreover, it can help us out if necessary. Exactly what Russia has done with the relevant financial support and so on. There are no underlying intentions like bending Russia’s will because it is weaker or is getting weaker or is in a difficult situation. It is not so and will never happen like that. Forgive my immodesty but I am too experienced a politician to exploit such things. It would be totally idiotic!” stated the Belarus president.