Lukashenko needs nuclear plant for corruption schemes, crypto mining – expert

This was stated by Volodymyr Omelchenko, director of energy programs at the Razumkov Center, on Espreso TV.

“I think he personally needs it, not Belarus. The first nuclear plant wasn’t needed either. Why? Because every such project involves contractors who can make a lot of money through kickbacks and corruption,” he said.

According to Omelchenko, that’s the first reason.

“The second is that he wants to engage in cryptocurrency mining together with the Russians. Since Russia has money problems, they bypass sanctions through mining and cryptocurrencies. And for that, they need a lot of electricity. I think this is the main reason Lukashenko is interested — corruption and cryptocurrency mining,” the expert concluded.

• Lukashenko earlier proposed to Russian leader Vladimir Putin to build another nuclear power plant in Belarus to supply electricity to the Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine.