19 January 2026, 13:28

Lukashenko shares his top concern during frosts

MINSK, 19 January (BelTA) – Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko expressed concern over the strain on heating mains during the current freeze and offered practical advice to utility workers. He made these remarks during a meeting with Alexander Sokolov, Governor of Russia’s Kirov Oblast, BelTA has learned.

The head of state addressed the ongoing snowy and frosty conditions. “We are not afraid of the cold. The main thing is that our heating mains can withstand it. That is what truly worries me right now. They say something began leaking near Minsk this morning because the pressure in the heating main was increased… as usual. Three days ago, it occurred to me that I should probably warn the authorities, though they likely know this already: make the coolant, whether water or another fluid, a little cooler, but keep the flow constant. It would be far worse to raise the pressure; [a building might get a burst of heat, but then get none at all if the main ruptures],” the president noted.

Aleksandr Lukashenko added that backup sources have now been identified to address the localized issue. However, as a general rule, he advised against excessive temperatures in such situations to protect the integrity of the heating system. “If the water in the pipes were at 80°C instead of 90°C, and the pressure were lower, it might be slightly cooler indoors, say, 20°C instead of 25°C. That is perfectly fine for a home,” said the head of state.

“Our problems are minor. We are a Slavic people; we know how to do this: create problems for ourselves and then heroically overcome them, instead of thinking ahead. We had almost forgotten winters like this, with both heavy snow and deep frost. In one sense, we are glad about the snowfall. People demonstrated they know how to clear it, and children saw what a real winter looks like. On the other hand, it has certainly created problems,” concluded the president.