The United States, in a joint effort with Canada and Britain, has imposed sanctions on individuals and entities in Belarus for their support of Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine. The Treasury Department announced on Friday that the sanctions target 19 individuals, 14 entities, and one aircraft. These individuals and entities are accused of assisting Moscow in its military endeavors through the production of military resources, the shipment of goods, and the evasion of existing sanctions.
The sanctions also target individuals involved in generating revenue for President Alexander Lukashenko’s inner circle and those facilitating sanctions evasion on behalf of Belarusian defense entities. The action is rooted in an executive order signed by President Joe Biden in 2021, aiming to exert pressure on Lukashenko over accusations of suppressing the opposition during his 30-year rule. Lukashenko has consistently denied these allegations.
Among the entities targeted is Peleng, a prominent Belarusian company specializing in the production of components for spacecraft, satellites, and military vehicles. The Treasury Department described Peleng as a crucial industrial partner for Russia.
The coordinated sanctions mark the fourth anniversary of the 2020 presidential elections in Belarus, widely deemed as deeply flawed by independent observers. Lukashenko maintained his grip on power by suppressing months of street protests with the aid of his ally, Russian President Vladimir Putin. Thousands were imprisoned in the crackdown.
Canada’s Foreign Minister Melanie Joly announced that Ottawa has imposed sanctions on 10 individuals and six entities in response to their involvement in ongoing and systematic human rights abuses in Belarus. Britain, in its statement, emphasized the coordinated nature of the action and its significance in marking the fourth anniversary of the disputed 2020 elections.
