Aleksandr Surikov, the Russian ambassador to Belarus, told reporters in Minsk on November 1 that it would be inexpedient to build a second leg of the Yamal-Europe gas pipeline that runs via Belarus.
He explained that the construction the trans-Baltic Nord Stream pipeline had already begun, and that that pipeline via the Baltic Sea is advantageous, as it would enable direct supplies to Europe, bypassing intermediaries.
While visiting Minsk on October 19, Russian Prime Minister Viktor Zubkov promised that Moscow would consider once again the expediency of the construction of a second leg of the Yamal-Europe gas pipeline. He noted that this project would not constitute a big problem, but, according to him, it is necessary to have a clear view of Russia’s supply potential and the consumption of gas in Belarus and Europe.
Alyaksandr Lukashenka suggested earlier in October that Russia should abandon the idea of building a gas pipeline under the Baltic Sea. He said that Russia should instead double the capacity of the Yamal-Europe pipeline running via Belarus by building its second leg, and offered free gas transit through the country in the following five years.
“Why have you decided to go under the Baltic? Don’t you remember I told you that nothing good will come of this?” the Belarusian leader said while meeting with a group of Russian provincial journalists on October 12. “If you are afraid that it is going be too expensive [to build the second leg], we’ll give you tax and fee breaks on gas transit for five years. Just don’t do stupid things!”
