MINSK, 15 September (BelTA) - In the development of the Union State of Belarus and Russia, it is important to move forward by creating a common gas market, establishing unified rules for the oil market, ensuring fair prices for processors, and equal operating conditions for economic entities in both countries, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said in an interview with the Russian magazine Razvedchik, BelTA has learned.
An important topic of the interview was the development of the Union State. The president was asked to assess the results achieved recently and the prospects for the future.
“Looking back on the path we have traveled, I can say with confidence: the choice in favor of a union with Russia was prompted by life itself. This choice saved our countries from economic disaster and the loss of sovereignty," Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized. He noted that this was particularly evident after the 1998 crisis, when factories shut down, prices soared, and people lost their savings. It was then that it became absolutely clear: either the countries would find a solution together, or each struggle to survive on its own. “We found this path, through real economic integration, the creation of joint production facilities, and coordinated social policies,” the president stated.
Of course, not everything succeeded immediately; at times, compromise seemed impossible. Yet it was always clear: it was not about short-term gain, but about the historical destiny of our peoples.
“We have endured numerous trials: financial crises, global economic upheavals, and the West's frenzied sanctions. Together, we have withstood a serious test of resilience. We withstood it because we created a unique format of integration, unparalleled anywhere in the world,” the head of state noted. “At the same time, each country retains its sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, and political system. Strong sovereign states make a strong union. That is the formula for successful integration."
Indeed, Belarus and Russia differ in terms of the scale of resources. But that is precisely the strength of the Union State. We do not duplicate each other but organically complement one another, filling gaps and multiplying advantages,” he added.
Russia has been and remains Belarus's primary trading and economic partner. In 2024, Belarus ranked among the top four countries in the world in terms of trade volume with Russia and continues to lead among CIS nations. The trade between the two countries has increased sevenfold, reaching nearly $60 billion last year, including trade in services.
Increased attention is being given to import substitution projects. For instance, a 90-tonne BelAZ dump truck has been developed. It is equipped with a 1,050 horsepower engine from Russia's Yaroslavl Motor Plant (previously, only imported engines were used in this class of vehicles).
However, Aleksandr Lukashenko believes that the tangible improvement in the quality of life for citizens of Belarus and Russia is the most significant achievement of the Union State. They enjoy equal rights within the Union State in employment, social security, healthcare, education, and pension matters. Preferential mobile tariffs have been introduced, voting rights expanded, and the number of regional flights increased.
The foundation for the further development of the allied relations between the two countries lies in deepening regional integration, the president noted. In this regard, he mentioned the annual Forum of Regions of Belarus and Russia.
“Cooperation in science and technology has undergone a serious evolution: from supporting individual industries to creating entirely new sectors. This progress is particularly evident in the space sector. Just imagine: eight joint programs, the first Belarusian woman cosmonaut in space, an operational joint Earth remote sensing satellite, and a new spacecraft with a record resolution of 35cm where the core technology is Belarusian and the platform is Russian," the head of state continued.
Active efforts are underway to create a unified digital space, develop artificial intelligence, and implement smart technologies. “The Belarusian Nuclear Power Plant has become a true technological breakthrough and a symbol of friendship between our fraternal peoples,” Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized. |It is our response to political pressure and a platform for developing our own competencies in the use of peaceful nuclear energy.”
"However, without establishing unified energy resource markets, it is difficult to expect effective progress forward. The agreement on a common electricity market is just the beginning. We need to move further: create a common gas market, establish unified rules for the oil market, ensure fair prices for refiners, and equal operating conditions for economic entities in both countries," the Belarusian leader is convinced. “This is the essence of our Union State: not merely helping each other, but creating common rules of the game that lead to the formation of a full-fledged, unified economic space while preserving the political sovereignty of each country. Twenty-five 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. There will certainly be room for new joint projects, breakthrough technologies, and new discoveries.”
Aleksandr Lukashenko noted that he and Russian President Vladimir Putin often say: 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. As long as we remain faithful to our common ideals, as long as we are building a shared 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.
An important topic of the interview was the development of the Union State. The president was asked to assess the results achieved recently and the prospects for the future.
“Looking back on the path we have traveled, I can say with confidence: the choice in favor of a union with Russia was prompted by life itself. This choice saved our countries from economic disaster and the loss of sovereignty," Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized. He noted that this was particularly evident after the 1998 crisis, when factories shut down, prices soared, and people lost their savings. It was then that it became absolutely clear: either the countries would find a solution together, or each struggle to survive on its own. “We found this path, through real economic integration, the creation of joint production facilities, and coordinated social policies,” the president stated.
Of course, not everything succeeded immediately; at times, compromise seemed impossible. Yet it was always clear: it was not about short-term gain, but about the historical destiny of our peoples.
“We have endured numerous trials: financial crises, global economic upheavals, and the West's frenzied sanctions. Together, we have withstood a serious test of resilience. We withstood it because we created a unique format of integration, unparalleled anywhere in the world,” the head of state noted. “At the same time, each country retains its sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, and political system. Strong sovereign states make a strong union. That is the formula for successful integration."
Indeed, Belarus and Russia differ in terms of the scale of resources. But that is precisely the strength of the Union State. We do not duplicate each other but organically complement one another, filling gaps and multiplying advantages,” he added.
Russia has been and remains Belarus's primary trading and economic partner. In 2024, Belarus ranked among the top four countries in the world in terms of trade volume with Russia and continues to lead among CIS nations. The trade between the two countries has increased sevenfold, reaching nearly $60 billion last year, including trade in services.
Increased attention is being given to import substitution projects. For instance, a 90-tonne BelAZ dump truck has been developed. It is equipped with a 1,050 horsepower engine from Russia's Yaroslavl Motor Plant (previously, only imported engines were used in this class of vehicles).
However, Aleksandr Lukashenko believes that the tangible improvement in the quality of life for citizens of Belarus and Russia is the most significant achievement of the Union State. They enjoy equal rights within the Union State in employment, social security, healthcare, education, and pension matters. Preferential mobile tariffs have been introduced, voting rights expanded, and the number of regional flights increased.
The foundation for the further development of the allied relations between the two countries lies in deepening regional integration, the president noted. In this regard, he mentioned the annual Forum of Regions of Belarus and Russia.
“Cooperation in science and technology has undergone a serious evolution: from supporting individual industries to creating entirely new sectors. This progress is particularly evident in the space sector. Just imagine: eight joint programs, the first Belarusian woman cosmonaut in space, an operational joint Earth remote sensing satellite, and a new spacecraft with a record resolution of 35cm where the core technology is Belarusian and the platform is Russian," the head of state continued.
Active efforts are underway to create a unified digital space, develop artificial intelligence, and implement smart technologies. “The Belarusian Nuclear Power Plant has become a true technological breakthrough and a symbol of friendship between our fraternal peoples,” Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized. |It is our response to political pressure and a platform for developing our own competencies in the use of peaceful nuclear energy.”
"However, without establishing unified energy resource markets, it is difficult to expect effective progress forward. The agreement on a common electricity market is just the beginning. We need to move further: create a common gas market, establish unified rules for the oil market, ensure fair prices for refiners, and equal operating conditions for economic entities in both countries," the Belarusian leader is convinced. “This is the essence of our Union State: not merely helping each other, but creating common rules of the game that lead to the formation of a full-fledged, unified economic space while preserving the political sovereignty of each country. Twenty-five 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. There will certainly be room for new joint projects, breakthrough technologies, and new discoveries.”
Aleksandr Lukashenko noted that he and Russian President Vladimir Putin often say: 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. As long as we remain faithful to our common ideals, as long as we are building a shared 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.
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