13 March 2025

Lukashenko on sanctions: We were believed to collapse in a year, but we go on

During the talks with Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko noted that the two countries successfully withstood the pressure of sanctions, BelTA has learned. 

“I have encountered much fewer problems than the world and even our region. We are working successfully on it. Of course, there are certain issues. I think we will address them in a broader format, together with specialists. We are aware of these issues,” the head of state said. 

“Perhaps, I would like us to move faster. But it is not always possible. It does not depend entirely on you and me. External circumstances also have a role to play. We understand this perfectly well. Whatever we do, we do in earnest. Like, for example, import substitution, countering these sanctions. Everyone thought that we would wither and die in a year. But we are alive and kicking. I am sure that we will go on. We need a little more time. And, perhaps, more persistence. But we have enough of this, it is in our blood,” the Belarusian leader remarked. 

belta.by