Statement by MFA Spokesperson R.Varankou in response to question from ONT TV channel

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Statement by MFA Spokesperson R.Varankou in response to question from ONT TV channel

ONT: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus has certainly noted Ms. von der Leyen's statement regarding the European Union's mistakes in abandoning nuclear energy. Given that Lithuania is now also considering building its own nuclear power plant, do you view this as an indirect admission that Belarus was right all along? And how does Minsk feel about neighbors who spent years criticizing the Ostrovets plant and are now looking to develop nuclear power themselves?

R.Varankou: We certainly took note of European Commission President von der Leyen's statement acknowledging that turning away from nuclear energy was a strategic blunder for the EU.

This is hardly a revelation for us. Our position has always been that energy security should be rooted in practical necessity and the public interest, rather than political posturing.

As for Lithuania, we are seeing a remarkable about-face. Just yesterday, they were labeling the Ostrovets NPP an "existential threat" and a "tool of blackmail," firing off protest notes left and right. Today, Vilnius is seriously debating how to start its own nuclear generation. It seems the electricity bills following their exit from the BRELL grid have proven far more persuasive than any political rhetoric.

We welcome our neighbors finally coming around to the benefits of peaceful nuclear energy. Belarus took this path despite immense pressure, sanctions, and non-stop criticism. Yet, we delivered a modern, safe facility that is operational and yielding results - driving economic growth and meeting our citizens' needs without a massive price tag.

I'll take this opportunity to remind them: we remain ready to help. If Lithuania or Poland needs reliable, low-cost power produced right on their doorstep, our doors are open. As a matter of good neighborly policy.

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