Russian and Belarusian Deputy Prime Ministers Discuss Energy Cooperation and Union State Integration

Introduction

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak held a working meeting with Belarusian Deputy Prime Minister Viktor Karankevich in Moscow on Wednesday, February 4, 2026. The high-level discussions focused on advancing economic integration within the framework of the Union State, exploring prospects for enhanced trade and economic collaboration, and strengthening cooperation across the oil, gas, and broader energy sectors.

Key Discussion Points

The meeting addressed several critical areas of bilateral cooperation. According to official statements, the primary topics included:

• The ongoing process of Russia-Belarus integration within the Union State.
• Prospects for expanding trade and economic interaction between the two nations.
• Deepening cooperation in the oil, gas, and energy sectors.

A significant part of the discussions involved amendments to intergovernmental gas agreements signed in November 2011. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko had previously approved draft protocols for these amendments, authorizing Mr. Karankevich to negotiate on behalf of Belarus.

Context of Energy Cooperation

The energy sector remains a cornerstone of Russia-Belarus relations. The current gas supply agreements, which saw Belarus paying $128.52 per 1,000 cubic meters in 2022, were set to expire at the end of December 2025. These discussions are crucial for establishing new terms for future gas supplies.

Beyond gas, Belarus benefits from discounted Russian oil prices and receives compensation under a tax maneuver agreement with Russia. In 2022, Belarus reportedly saved up to $2.4 billion (3.4% of GDP) on oil, and $1.5 billion (2.1% of GDP) in 2023 due to these discounts. Additionally, Russia compensated Belarus $430 million (0.6% of GDP) in 2023 under the tax maneuver agreement, with an expected increase to $640 million (1.0% of GDP) in 2024.

Conclusion

The meeting between Alexander Novak and Viktor Karankevich underscores the continuous efforts by Russia and Belarus to strengthen their economic and energy ties. The outcomes of these negotiations, particularly regarding gas supply agreements, will play a vital role in shaping the future economic landscape and integration within the Union State.