Belarus may cut off gas transit to Europe if Brussels introduces new sanctions against Minsk.
Alexander Lukashenko, in response to the EU’s plans to introduce a new package of sanctions against Belarus, threatened to cut off gas transit to Europe. This statement was made at a meeting on Thursday, November 11, in Minsk, BelTA writes.
“Poland is intimidating that it will close the border. Please, close: fewer fugitives will go there. That’s not the question. What if we close transit through Belarus? There is no transit through Ukraine: the Russian border is closed. There are no roads through the Baltic States. If we close transit for Poles and, for example, for Germans, what will happen then? Nothing should stop us in defending our sovereignty and independence,” Lukashenko said.
As you know, the Yamal-Europe gas pipeline runs through Belarus.
“We are heating Europe, but they dare to intimidate us that they will close the border. And if we cut them off natural gas? Therefore, I would recommend the leadership of Poland, Lithuanians and other scatter-brained to think before speaking,” Lukashenko added.
He instructed the Foreign Ministry to warn Europe that Belarus will respond to the introduction of a new package of sanctions. “How to respond was agreed with you six months ago,” Lukashenko said.
After his statement, the price of gas in Europe increased by almost 2% - to $ 847 per thousand cubic meters, but then dropped by $10.
The day before, the media reported that the EU is preparing to introduce new sanctions against Belarus, aimed at individuals and legal entities, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Belarusian airline Belavia.