Opposition politician: power market deal advances Belarus’ drift toward Russia

December 12, Pozirk. The common electricity market deal with Russia, approved by Alaksandar Lukašenka three days ago, represents another step towards the absorption of Belarus by Russia, opposition politician Pavieł Latuška said in a comment on YouTube.
The politician did not rule out that this is “one of the worst decisions that Lukašenka could have signed in recent years, perhaps decades.”
“Energy is essentially the last strategic sector still in the hands of the Belarusian state,” Łatuška said, outlining the possible consequences. “Belarus is losing independent control over electricity pricing,” he noted. “Tariffs, power distribution, quotas, sales volumes and trading rules — everything will now be set at the level of the Union State. This means Moscow is effectively gaining leverage over our market.”
Belarus will no longer be able to adjust tariffs for enterprises flexibly, leaving its industrial sector increasingly dependent on decisions made in Russia, he added.
The politician warned that any conflict with the Kremlin could trigger an “energy strike,” noting that Russia had previously demonstrated its ability to shut down energy systems in Ukraine and Moldova. Establishment of a common market has political implications as it provides Moscow with the technical capacity to influence Belarus at any moment, he noted.
Minsk and Moscow concluded the deal last December to promote a common energy space, improve coordination and cooperation in electric power. According to Belarusian Energy Minister Dzianis Maroz, the common electricity market is “at the final stage.”
Łukašenka approves common electricity market deal with Russia
- Economy, PoliticsPro-government trade unions blame potash sanctions for hungerThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- PoliticsŁukašenka reiterates invitation to Kenya's president to visit MinskThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- PoliticsCichanoŭskaja honored with Margaret Thatcher Award in RomeThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Economy, Politics
- Politics, Sport
- Society, SportEstonian U-17 women's football team to boycott game with BelarusThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- PoliticsCichanoŭskaja urges Italian MPs to initiate resolution on BelarusThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Economy, Politics, SecurityKyiv backs Lithuania in its standoff with MinskThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- EconomyImports of used vehicles by Russians from Belarus rise sharply in NovemberThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- EconomyBelarus reports higher unemployment than RussiaThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Economy, SocietyAgriculture most exposed to corruption in BelarusThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Politics, SecurityVilnius may consider national sanctions, closure of the border with BelarusThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Politics, SecurityMinsk casts Lithuania as irresponsible state—Lithuanian army analyzes Belarusian propagandaThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Economy, Society
- Politics, SecurityPoland, Lithuania report undocumented migration attempts after a quiet spellThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Politics
- PoliticsMinsk: human rights exploited as tool for political pressureThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Economy
- Security, SocietyMinsk Airport warns of flight disruptions in Russia amid drone attacksThe material is available only to POZIRK+
- Politics, SecurityBelarus' defense minister accuses EU of militarizationThe material is available only to POZIRK+


