EU Plans to Impose New Sanctions On Alexander Lukashenka’s Regime

The European Union is preparing a new package of sanctions against the regime of Alexander Lukashenka, which is planned to be approved in the near future, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell announced.

“We are considering a future package of sanctions, which I hope will be approved in the coming weeks. It will be a new package of sanctions that takes into account everything that has happened in Belarus, including how the regime is attacking the Polish community,” Borrell said.

Fifty people may be subject to the new restrictions as early as June. It is unknown who will be on the list.

As a reminder, mass protests took place in Belarus against falsification of the results of the 9 August presidential election, in which Alexander Lukashenka was declared the winner. Tear gas, flash-bang grenades, and water cannons were used against the protesters.

Earlier, the EU summit approved sanctions against 40 Belarusian officials over rigging the presidential election results and repressing protesters. The law enforcement officials constitute a greater part of the list.

The United States also imposed sanctions on 43 Belarusian citizens over falsification of the presidential election results and violence against peaceful protesters.

Natalia Tolub