Photo from RIA Novosti
MINSK, 19 January (BelTA) – Europe may have finally realized that it needs to be an independent player in international relations, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said at a meeting with Alexander Sokolov, Governor of Russia’s Kirov Oblast, BelTA has learned.
“We are certainly not happy that Europe now has more problems than we do,” said the head of state, referring to recent severe snowfalls and freezing weather. “And that they will have no choice but to buy gas from the East, not just from the Western Hemisphere, at five times the price Russia has always offered. We take no pleasure in that. But frankly, I am pleased that Europe has finally understood where its true interests lie. Long before these troubles began, I stated publicly that Europe’s place is with us, with Russia. This is our home, and it is here that we all belong.”
“They did not understand this [at the time],” Aleksandr Lukashenko continued. “And even if they did, they lacked the courage and strength to act on it. Today, Merz [German Chancellor] has already stated that they need to pursue their own policy, and that if the Americans impose tariffs, they are prepared to respond with even larger tariffs.”
“Perhaps Europe has finally realized that it needs to be an independent player in international relations. Could be. God willing. I do not want to see a confrontation with the Americans. But the European Union is a powerful, technologically advanced association. Well, be worthy of the name ‘European Union’; smart people live there. A great many people. Let us cooperate, let us stop looking at each other with suspicion,” urged the Belarusian leader.
“We do not wish to be a dividing line; we want to be a bridge between East and West, as it has always been. But don’t drive a wedge between Belarus and Russia. It is already difficult to separate us. In terms of defense, we and Russia are a single whole, and it makes no sense to view us separately. Some may wish to, but it will not happen. We are prepared to defend our interests. And the Lord will always help us.”
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