EU Considers Additional Sanctions on Belarus: "Must Not Be Used as a Bypass for Russia Sanctions"

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The European Union (EU) is reportedly considering additional sanctions against Belarus, a pro-Russian country. Although Belarus has not directly participated in the war since its outbreak, it has allowed the Russian military to be stationed on its territory, enabling Russian forces to continue airstrikes on Ukraine from the Belarusian border area. Concerns have been raised that Belarus and its territory could be exploited as a means for Russia to evade sanctions, prompting the possibility of further sanctions.

According to AFP on the 1st (local time), Petr Fiala, the Czech Prime Minister and current rotating president of the EU, stated at a press conference held during his visit to Kyiv, Ukraine, "We will review Belarus's role in the war and the need for additional sanctions against Belarus," emphasizing, "Sanctions against Belarus are already in place, but Belarus must not align with Russia's policies or allow Russia to evade sanctions through countries like Belarus."

Belarus has not expressed an intention to directly participate in the war following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. However, since the outbreak, Russia has been allowed to open its borders and station troops in Belarus to strike northern regions of Ukraine from the Belarusian border. Recently, Belarus announced it would operate joint forces with Russian troops in the border area with Ukraine for border security.

Jan Lipavsk?, the Czech Foreign Minister, reiterated the need for additional sanctions, stating, "We must realize that airstrikes on Ukraine are being conducted from Belarusian airspace, and that Belarus is supplying weapons to Russia."

Meanwhile, Russia is reported to have launched another large-scale missile strike across Ukraine. Fifty air-to-ground cruise missiles were fired at major cities including Kyiv, cutting off more than 80% of the capital's water supply and causing power outages in over 350,000 households. Ukrainian officials have pointed out that Russia has established an airbase near the border with Belarus and continues missile strikes from there.