European airlines bypassing Belarus emit extra 250 tonnes of CO2 into atmosphere every day - Zakharova
MOSCOW. June 10 (Interfax) - The flights being performed by European airlines going around Belarusian airspace carry ecological and other risks, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said.
"It would be absolutely fair to mention the obvious ecological aspect of the issue, considering that the ecological agenda is coming into the spotlight," Zakharova said at a press briefing on Thursday.
"Let's take a look at the realities against the backdrop of the European Green Deal hailed and promoted by Brussels. The so-called bypass of the Belarusian airspace by airlines from EU member states results in the daily consumption of an additional 79 tonnes of jet fuel," Zakharova said, noting that this is an estimate from European experts. As a result, CO2 emissions into the atmosphere grow daily by 250 tonnes, she said.
"It looks like our EU partners have decided to rely on the 'the end justifies the means' principle in every field," Zakharova said.
The spokesperson also noted the side effects of the EU sanctions against Minsk. "As EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell said at the European Parliament in the course of a discussion on the Belarus issue on June 8, you can't make an omelet without breaking a few eggs. I'd like to tell Mr. Josep Borrell: break your own eggs if you want to make an omelet," Zakharova said.