Western countries impose new sanctions on Belarus | Abroad

European sanctions target, among others, Belarusian airline Belavia and Syrian airline Cham Wings. In addition, senior officials of Belarusian border security, tour operators, hotels, passport and visa service in Turkey are targeted. The sanctions should make it difficult for the regime to bring people from the poor and conflict-rich countries of the Middle East to Belarus, where they are trying to enter the European Union.

The High Representative for Foreign Policy, Josep Borrell, said in a press statement that the European Union accused Belarus of provoking the migration crisis at the border, in response to European sanctions imposed after Lukashenko’s victory in the elections in the summer of 2020, which the Lukashenko regime described as fraudulent. .

In total, the fifth package of European sanctions targets 17 individuals, 11 government departments and companies that support the Lukashenko regime. The list also includes senior judicial, administrative, and media officials who have contributed to the ongoing campaign against democratic opposition, civil society, and independent media. Altogether, 183 individuals and 26 entities have already been sanctioned. Their assets are frozen and European citizens and companies are no longer allowed to finance them. The European travel ban also applies to people.

The United States, the United Kingdom and Canada simultaneously announced new sanctions. US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said they “show our determination to act against a brutal regime that increasingly oppresses Belarusians, undermines peace and security in Europe and continues to exploit people who only want to live in freedom.” And his country imposed sanctions on 20 individuals and 12 organizations.