Ukraine has imposed personal sanctions on the self-proclaimed President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, for aiding Russia in its war against Ukraine.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced this on Telegram and in the corresponding decree posted on the Office of the President’s website.
Sanctions Details
The sanctions include asset freezes, restrictions on participation in privatization and state property leases, suspension of economic and financial obligations, a ban on acquiring land plots, and indefinite revocation of Ukraine’s state awards. Overall, the restrictions will last for 10 years.
Zelenskyy emphasized that Lukashenko provides Belarusian territory for deploying the medium-range “Oreshnik” missiles, supplies Russia with critically important components and equipment for missile production, and allows the use of relay systems to control strike drones.
According to the president, without this assistance, Russian strikes on northern regions of Ukraine would have been significantly smaller.
Context
Zelenskyy stated that over 3,000 Belarusian enterprises are supporting Russia’s war, providing equipment and components to the Russian army. Belarus continues to serve as a logistical and technical base for aggression against Ukraine. The deployment of the “Oreshnik” missiles poses a threat to Ukrainians and Europeans alike.
The president stressed that Lukashenko “has long exchanged Belarusian sovereignty for personal power and actively helps Russia circumvent sanctions.”
It is worth noting that in 2022, Russia used Belarusian territory for a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, missile launches, and airstrikes. The European Parliament previously recognized Lukashenko’s regime as complicit in Russia’s aggression.
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Andriy Sybiha, also announced the country’s intention to hold Lukashenko accountable for his involvement in the war, particularly for providing territory and infrastructure for attacks on Ukraine.
Earlier, The Ukrainian Review reported that the Belarusian dictator commented on Russia’s war against Ukraine in a crude manner, including praising Donald Trump. According to Lukashenko, peace in Ukraine depends solely on Trump and the United States.
