Russia will pay for using a Belarusian airbase near Baranovichi, Russia's Ambassador to Belarus Alexander Surikov said in Minsk on Friday.

Belarus and Russia will jointly decide the amount of the fee, Surikov told a press conference. "Such things are not done for free."

Russia will pay not only for using the runway and stands but also for electricity and water, he added.

The diplomat said that the final date of the establishment of the military airbase is 2014, adding that "the first group of Russian fighters already arrived at the airbase near Baranovichi."

Earlier this month, four modernized Sukhoi Su-27SM3 fighter jets arrived at the airfield of the 61st airbase in Baranovichi and were put on duty.

Under an agreement between the two states, the Russian fighters will protect the airspace of the Russia-Belarus Union State together with Belarusian colleagues.