On Friday, August 19, the U.S. Treasury Department announced sanctions against more individuals and entities in Belarus for supporting Russia's military invasion of Ukraine, stating that those sanctioned are aiding Russia's war against Ukraine by participating in the production of military equipment and the transportation of goods. The Treasury's statement indicated that 19 individuals, 14 institutions and companies, and one aircraft in Belarus have been sanctioned. Other targets of the new Washington sanctions against Belarus include individuals who assist in evading sanctions on military institutions and industries or generating revenue for close associates of Alexander Lukashenko, the President of Belarus. This action was taken under an executive order by President Joe Biden in 2002, initially aimed at pressuring Lukashenko's government due to the repression of critics and opponents before the onset of Russia's military invasion of Ukraine. The increase in Russian gasoline imports from Belarus follows Ukrainian drone attacks on refineries. Alexander Lukashenko, who has been in power for about 30 years, has denied allegations of repressing opponents. One of the targets of these sanctions is a company named 'Pleng,' one of the most important manufacturers of spacecraft, satellite, and military vehicle components. The U.S. Treasury stated that this company is a significant industrial and technological partner of Russia. According to U.S. officials, the new sanctions were implemented in cooperation with the governments of Britain and Canada. The Canadian Foreign Minister also announced on Friday that his government has sanctioned 10 individuals and six institutions and companies in Belarus 'in response to their involvement in the systematic violation of human rights.' The British government stated that this coordinated action was implemented on the fourth anniversary of the 'fraudulent' presidential election in 2021 in Belarus. Most independent experts believe that Alexander Lukashenko lost that election to the opposition-backed candidate. Mr. Lukashenko managed to remain in power with the help of his ally, Vladimir Putin, by suppressing protests against election fraud that lasted for several months and arresting thousands of protesters.
New U.S. Sanctions Against Belarus Due to Support for Russia
The U.S. has imposed new sanctions on Belarus due to its support for Russia's military actions in Ukraine, targeting individuals and companies involved in military production and human rights violations. This coordinated effort with Canada and Britain coincides with the anniversary of Belarus's controversial 2021 presidential election. The sanctions aim to pressure Lukashenko's regime amid ongoing repression of dissent.
👥 Key Players
⚡ Actions
📰 What Happened
U.S. sanctions Belarusian entities aiding Russia's military efforts against Ukraine.
- U.S. Treasury Department sanction 19 individuals, 14 institutions and companies, 1 aircraft in Belarus
- Canadian government sanction 10 individuals, 6 institutions and companies in Belarus
- British government announce Belarus sanctions
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
The U.S. and allies are intensifying sanctions against Belarus for its support of Russia in Ukraine.
📝 Key Evidence
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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