Presidents of Belarus and Russia Alexander Lukashenko and Vladimir Putin held negotiations in the Kremlin on September 26, which lasted more than five hours in various formats, reports BELTA correspondent.

The heads of state discussed the international and regional situation, and in particular the ongoing confrontation in Ukraine. Alexander Lukashenko emphasized that "there are good proposals on the table" that Vladimir Zelensky should agree to.

The presidents paid a lot of attention to issues directly on the bilateral agenda. Among the topics was cooperation in the oil and gas sector. The heads of state reached agreements on gas for a five-year period.

The possibility of building another nuclear power plant in Belarus was also discussed. At least one additional unit can be built using funds saved from the loan previously allocated by Russia for the construction of the already operating Belarusian NPP.

Among other topics, the protection of the common market was also discussed.

The meeting started in the afternoon, shortly after 12:00. For exactly one and a half hours, the presidents held a one-on-one conversation in the State Room. Then, Alexander Lukashenko and Vladimir Putin had a working breakfast. The Telegram channel "Pool of the First" published the menu: protein omelet with trout and asparagus, beef pastrami roll, green buckwheat with avocado and egg, millet porridge with pumpkin and blueberries. And also - quinoa in melted milk with peach and cottage cheese casserole with raisins and strawberries.

After breakfast, the conversation continued. By that time, the leaders of the countries had been communicating for a total of 3 hours and 40 minutes. But, apparently, the agenda was not exhausted, and they went to the working office of the President of Russia.

The total duration of the meeting was 5 hours and 22 minutes.

At the beginning of the meeting, in the presence of the media, Alexander Lukashenko and Vladimir Putin made brief statements. The head of the Belarusian state proposed to his colleague to discuss a number of regional issues, as well as some issues on the bilateral agenda.
Alexander Lukashenko once again stated his intention to discuss the possibility of building another nuclear power plant in Belarus, including with the prospect of supplying electricity to the new regions of Russia. Financing issues were also mentioned, but the President did not publicly disclose the details.

"If there is a decision, we will immediately start building a new power unit or a new plant, if there is a need in western Russia and in the liberated regions," said the Belarusian leader.
In turn, Vladimir Putin emphasized that the issue of financing is not a problem at all: "If there is a consumer who will take electricity and pay the required tariff, it is not a problem at all."

The Presidents agreed that nuclear energy in general contributes to the qualitative growth of the economy and the emergence of new directions. These include, for example, the expanded use of electric transport, the conversion of the residential sector to electric heating, and opportunities for the development of artificial intelligence, mining, and the construction of data centers.

Vladimir Putin, in his opening remarks, emphasized that Belarus is a serious partner of Russia in the field of nuclear energy. "The first nuclear power plant has been built in Belarus, and moreover, an industry has emerged in Belarus, whose specialists are now working with Rosatom on the construction of nuclear facilities in third countries. And this, of course, is gratifying," he said.

The President of Russia also stated that the situation regarding cooperation between the two countries in the economic sphere is very good, with a trade turnover exceeding $50 billion and continuing to grow. Active work is underway in all areas, including issues of ensuring the security of the Union State.

belta.by