Belarus / Russia ‘Considering Proposal’ To Lower Interest Rate On Loan For First Nuclear Project

Mr Lyashenko said: “We've suggested the Russian side should consider improving terms of the loan, reducing the interest rate. The proposals are being discussed at a high level.”

According to Belta, Belarusian prime minister Sergei Rumas met in Minsk earlier this month with Alexei Likhachev, general director of Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom, to discuss “key aspects” of the Belarusian nuclear power station project.

In July 2012, Russia and Belarus signed a construction contract for two new Russian reactors at Ostrovets, in western Belarus, at an estimated total cost of $10bn, to be financed by Russian credit.

Construction of Belarusian-1 began in November 2013 and of Belarusian-2 in April 2014. Commercial operation is expected in 2019 and 2020.