Kremlin Confirms Plans on Putin-Lukashenko Meeting November 22

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — The Kremlin has confirmed its plans on a meeting between Russian and Belarusian presidents Vladimir Putin and Alexander Lukashenko on November 22, Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Thursday.

"There really are plans to hold it," Peskov said in response to a relevant question.

Asked about Belarus' desire to take part in privatization of Russian oil company Bashneft's shares in exchange for Belarusian enterprises' shares, the Kremlin spokesman said "we have a union state, so this is a matter of economic expediency."

"If it is more profitable than other proposals, then it is interesting," he said.

Lukashenko said earlier Thursday he had offered to Russia privatization of Belarusian enterprises that are of interest to Moscow in exchange for Bashneft's shares, and added that there had been no response.

Russia's Investigative Committee said Tuesday former Russian Economic Development Minister Alexei Ulyukayev was caught in the act when taking a $2 million bribe for a positive appraisal that allowed energy company Rosneft to buy the state's shares of Bashneft. Ulyukayev has been charged with taking an especially large bribe and extortion and placed under house arrest. He denies his guilt.

The Investigative Committee said the Bashneft deal was legal and undisputed, noting that the agreement is not under investigation.