Belarus and Russia switched to Russian rubles in settlements in mutual trade. This was stated by the President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko in an interview with the Associated Press news agency.

“We calmly trade for Russian rubles, sell our goods there, get Russian rubles and buy gas and oil for Russian rubles. There would be no happiness, but misfortune helped. We used to buy Russian energy resources for dollars. Today they agree for the Russian ruble,” BelTA news agency quotes him as saying.

At the same time, Lukashenka drew attention to: “By and large, with the exception of two or three groups of goods, we do not need any support from Russia.” “Although she supports us in everything we ask her to do. And in lending, and in money, and in goods,” he admitted.

According to the Belarusian leader, “85% of everything that is exported is in demand in Russia, partly something in China, especially food.” He also pointed out that the Belarusian authorities are finding solutions to circumvent sanctions against a number of commodity groups, including mineral fertilizers.

In addition, the head of state noted that the Baltic States have closed their ports for Belarusian cargo. “God be with them, we are reorienting to Russia and now we are shipping. Including potassium. The oil products have been sorted out,” he said.

“We will survive. Everything we produce is in demand on international markets today, which means it will be sold, mostly in Russia,” Lukashenko stressed. He expressed confidence that Belarus will stand up to the sanctions. “Of course, sanctions are not sugar, they are not sweets, they are not tea, there is little pleasant. But, apparently, this is the policy of the West,” he concluded.