Moscow stops feeding Lukashenka

What it the funniest thing is that Putin didn’t feed Lukashenka in Moscow. “They didn’t eat. They were talking about business,” the Russian PM’s spokesman said.

As the newspaper “Moskovsky Komsomolets” reminds, the Belarusian ruler descended upon Moscow last Friday to discuss some issues on the Customs Union formation with Russian chief executives. Alyaksandr Lukashenka was accepted by Dmitry Medvedev and then by Vladimir Putin.

Traditionally, the Belarusian leader complained and made demands (this time he complained about Medvedev who hadn’t fed him and demanded Putin should have him to supper). This a dialogue Lukashenka and Putin had.

Putin: Mr. Lukashenka! While you were having supper with Mr. Medvedev, I’ve managed…

Lukashenka: Supper?! I’ve arrived; I thought you would give me at least a slice of bread…

Putin: I have swum, visited a gym.

Lukashenka: I have been swimming too, but before the meeting with Mr. Medvedev. But do not give the runaround, you owe me a supper!

Putin: Oh come on.

Lukashenka: Or you do not eat so late, don’t you?

Putin: I eat at any time of day.

Lukashenka: I’m joking.

What is the funniest here is that Putin didn’t feed Lukashenka. “They didn’t eat. They were discussing economic issues, talking about business,” “MK” newspaper learnt from Dmitry Peskov, the PM’s spokesman.

So, Lukashenka failed to get a slice of bread from Vladimir Putin, though their conversation was rather long – they started at about half past ten in the evening and ended after midnight. Maybe Putin put Lukashenka on a diet pursuing medical aims in order the latter to be more manageable in issues regarding the Customs Union. As it was already reported, Minsk demands Moscow to lift oil export duties. The Belarusian party gave to understand that ratification of the Customs Code by Minsk, which is necessary for the Customs Union, will depend on this matter. The Union is to be launched on July 1.

Dmitry Peskov said commenting the meeting between Putin and Lukashenka that Russia hadn’t changed its position on oil: “This position cannot be very flexible.” It is enough for Belarus to receive duty-free ‘black gold’ for domestic use.