Same 2009 event. Who would be stupid enough to double down on stupid? Answer: The Germans.
If you’d read your links correctly non-payments were the cases. Belarus itself admitted it didn’t pay over 6 months to the tune of $460 million in 2006.
Try to do it with your utility company and we will see how long your utility company would let you get away with it.
‘Arbitrary price hikes’ are all in the contracts. The customers negotiate discounts but it works only as long as they keep paying. Once they breach contract they are expected to pay up-front and at higher base price.