EU expands, extends sanctions against Belarus for another year

This is reported in the Official Journal of the EU, Ukrinform saw.

This decision of the Council of the EU 2023/421 regarding restrictive measures in view of the situation in Belarus and the involvement of the Republic of Belarus in Russia’s aggression against Ukraine from February 24, 2023 supplements its previous decision.

"On the basis of a review of Decision 2012/642/CFSP, and considering the persistent gravity of the situation in Belarus and the involvement of Belarus in the illegal aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, it is appropriate to maintain in force all the measures adopted by the Union. Consequently, Decision 2012/642/CFSP should be renewed until 28 February 2024," the EU Council decided.

At the same time, the EU added to the sanctions list 21 individuals and two entities, including Belarus-based Synesis LLC and JSC Belarussian Potash Company.

As reported, since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Belarus has been providing its territory to Russia for the deployment of troops and launch of strikes  targeting Ukraine. Currently, the Alexander Lukashenko regime is training a "people's militia".