Lukashenko: No plans to introduce sanctions against Ukraine

Belarus is not going to impose sanctions against Ukraine, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said at the Big Conversation with the President, a meeting with the public, experts and media community in the format of a big press conference in Minsk on 9 August, BelTA has learned.

“We are not going to impose any sanctions against you,” the head of state said as he fielded a question from Ukrainian journalist Pavel Zelinsky.

According to the president, if Belarus wanted to do it, then together with Russia it would be able to bring Ukraine to its knees within 24 hours. In particular, it could stop supplying fuels and lubricants. “In this case Zelenskyy and everyone else would be forced out of power the next day. Because 35% of fuel Ukraine needs is supplied by Belarus and another 35-40% by Russia,” the Belarusian leader noted.

According to him, Belarus has spare electricity capacity. The country is switching to electricity in many areas. "Housing, electric cars and so on. We are building all-electric houses. They run on electricity. Tenants say utility costs are even a little lower than those in houses running on natural gas," Aleksandr Lukashenko said about the achievements in the industry. Taking into account all projects current and in the pipeline, with the nuclear power plant up and running, Belarus will have excess of electricity, which it can supply to Ukraine.

“But you are acting somewhat treacherously,” the Belarusian president added, noting that Ukraine buys Belarusian electricity or fuel when it needs, criticizing it at the same time.

“We will not do this because by imposing sanctions will shoot ourselves in the foot. Mutual trade is about $6 billion. This is in the best interests of both you and us. You, however, act dishonestly sometimes,” said Aleksandr Lukashenko.

The president recalled the ‘anti-dumping rows' on gas silicate and other building materials. “You do not need to act like that. This is economics, not politics. You cannot behave this way, because you are also very dependent,” said the president.