We have updated our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use for Eurasia Group and its affiliates, including GZERO Media, to clarify the types of data we collect, how we collect it, how we use data and with whom we share data. By using our website you consent to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy, including the transfer of your personal data to the United States from your country of residence, and our use of cookies described in our Cookie Policy.
The Graphic Truth: EU needs Belarus for Russian gas
Alexander Lukashenko, Belarus' strongman president, knew that he would face few serious consequences from Brussels for intercepting an EU airliner this week to arrest a dissident journalist. That's because the Europeans rely heavily on Russian natural gas imports, roughly a quarter of which traverse Belarusian territory. This dependence on Belarusian facilities for natural gas, a difficult resource to transport, gives Lukashenko disproportionate leverage with Brussels – and he knows it. We take a look at some of the main natural gas arteries that cross Belarusian territory.