EU slaps ban on arms, tech exports to Belarus

This is reported by the EU Council’s press service, Ukrinform saw.

"We have adopted new sanctions in reaction to the Lukashenko’s illegitimate regime continued systematic, widespread and gross human rights violations and brutal repression against all segments of the Belarusian society. Today we are also taking further measures against the Belarusian regime as an accomplice in Russia’s illegal and unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine. We stand by the Belarusian people in their quest for peace and democracy," said EU High Representative Josep Borrell.

In light of the worsening human rights situation in Belarus, the EU has adopted new restrictive measures against 38 individuals and three organizations from Belarus, which are responsible for serious human rights violations, facilitate repression against civil society and democratic forces, as well as those who benefit from and support the Lukashenko regime.

The new sanctions lists include officials of penitentiary institutions responsible for torture and ill-treatment of prisoners, including political prisoners, high-profile propagandists, as well as members of the judicial branch of government involved in the prosecution and sentencing of democratic opposition figures, activists, and journalists.

Sanctions also apply to state-owned enterprises that have taken measures against or fired workers for participating in peaceful protests and strikes. Belnaftokhim, a Belarusian-controlled petrochemical conglomerate, is also among the strategic companies supporting the Lukashenko regime.

In total, EU restrictive measures against Belarus currently apply to 233 individuals and 37 legal entities. Their assets in the European Union are subject to freezing, while EU citizens and companies are prohibited from making funds available to them.

In addition, in response to Belarus' participation in Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, the EU introduced targeted restrictive measures. In particular, the ban on the export to Belarus of a number of critical goods and technology that contribute to strengthening the military and technological potential of Belarus has been extended. An additional ban has also been introduced on the export of firearms and ammunition, as well as goods and technology that can be used in the aviation and space industries.

"The EU condemns in the strongest possible terms Belarus’s involvement in Russia's unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine and continues to urge Belarus to stop its collaboration in Russia’s war," the statement said.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, on June 23, the European Union adopted and published the details of the 11th package of Russia sanctions. Switzerland joined the effort on June 28.