The renewal of sanctions should be repeated twice a year to keep the restrictions in place.
The European Union extended anti-Russian sanctions until the end of July, for another six months, all economic restrictions introduced in early 2014 due to the annexation of Crimea will be valid, and significantly expanded since the big war began. In addition, the EU is preparing a new, 10th package, and another one in parallel – against Belarus for its indirect participation in the war, Radio Liberty correspondent Zoryana Stepanenko notes for TSN.
The anti-Belarusian package of sanctions has not yet been officially presented, but its draft ended up in the hands of journalists from reputable Western media. The penalties largely reflect the restrictions that were gradually introduced against Russia with the start of the Great War.
Such synchronization, the diplomats say, are familiar with the course of discussions, in particular, it is needed so that Belarus does not become a loophole for Moscow in attempts to circumvent European sanctions. In addition, there is already a set of measures tested in Russia.
Now the European Union wants to punish Belarus for its role in supporting Russian aggression against Ukraine. Russia used it as a springboard for an attack, carried out shelling from its territory, and Russian troops are still on the territory of Belarus and regularly conduct joint exercises with Belarusians. This is what prompted the European Union to act.
The set of measures that threaten Belarus, among other things, include export restrictions. Belarus will not be able, if they are introduced, to buy dual-use goods that could theoretically and practically be useful to its military-industrial sector. It will not be able to sell its oil, coal, steel, gold. Sanctions may include luxury items, investments, and the provision of certain services. Attacks on the aviation industry of Belarus and its energy sector are also possible. Exceptions will be for medicines, agricultural and food products. Relevant financial transactions involving sanctioned persons will be allowed. By the way, the same exceptions are reflected in the anti-Russian packages.
Against Russia, the EU is also preparing another, the 10th, which means the anniversary set of sanctions, the approval of which is expected closer to the anniversary of the war. Anti-Belarusian restrictions, according to sources in EU diplomatic circles, may be adopted next week.
Traditionally, the consent of all EU countries is required. The EU calls on Minsk to refrain from facilitating Russian aggression against Ukraine, not to provide its territory as a platform for attacks, and the day before, at a meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council, the European Union warned Belarus of new, even more serious restrictions if the Belarusian military becomes part of the conflict.
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