Belarus won't receive loan, promised by Putin, until July

The Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Minsk does not rule out that Belarus can receive the loan in July or August.

Alexander Surikov said it at a press conference in Minsk on Wednesday.

“The decision on issuing a $2 billion interstate loan was taken last December. The State Duma is considering amendments to the budget today. It [the loan] will find its place there. Signing particular documents will take some time,” he said.

The ambassador didn't rule out that Belarus could receive the loan in July or August.

“It will be July or August. By this time, VTB Bank will again give Belarus a $1 billion bridge loan,” the diplomat said.

Surikov noted that the $2 billion interstate loan would be given and a part of the sum would be spent on paying the bridge loan and the December loan of $450 million.