Lukashenka blames Putin for energy costs growth

Raising the price tag for the Russian energy resources supplied to Belarus is the direct order by [Russian President] Vladimir Putin, Belarus leader Aliaksandr Lukashenka said in a statement.

Not [the Russian gas monopoly] Gazprom, but the Russian leadership is behind this decision, he noted.

Talking about the further development of relations between Belarus and Russia, Lukashenka said he was convinced that “everything depends on Russia” in this situation.