Russia To Help Belarus Build Nuclear Power Plant

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin (right) meets Belarusian counterpart Mikhail Myasnikovich in Moscow.

MOSCOW -- Russia said today it will provide a loan to Belarus to help the country build its first nuclear power plant.

Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said following talks with his Belarusian counterpart, Mikhail Myasnikovich, the plant would help Belarus to establish energy independence.

It was not immediately clear how much money Russia was lending for the project.

Putin also said Belarus would continue to receive subsidized oil supplies that should help to keep its economy on track.

compiled from agency reports