European Union announced the expansion of sanctions against the Minsk regime in response to its support for Russian aggression against Ukraine, as well as in connection with the rigging of election campaigns in Belarus. The new sanctions list includes 25 individuals and 7 legal entities.
Among the sanctioned organizations are:
- Central Election Commission of Belarus;
- JSC Integral is the management company of Integral Holding;
- RUE "Belarusian Lotteries";
- Ridotto LLC;
- KBTEM Planar;
- RPUE "Precision Electromechanics Plant";
- Tsybulka-Bel Ltd.
In addition, the sanctions affected members of the CEC, judges, heads of industrial enterprises, employees of Lukashenka's Department of Affairs, as well as the head of the Belaya Rus party.
Context and implications of sanctions
This expansion of the sanctions list is in line with the EU's general policy to increasing pressure on the Lukashenko regime for involvement in Russia's military actions and violations of democratic norms.
Earlier, a Japanese publication Nikkei Asiabased on the organization's data BELPOL, published an investigation about sanctions circumvention schemes through China that involved OAO Planar.
Also, during a briefing at the European External Action Service (EEAS) at the end of January 2025, BELPOL gave full disclosure about the persons involved in the falsification of the upcoming presidential election of 2025 in Belarus.
Conclusion
The expansion of sanctions demonstrates the strengthening of coordination between European institutions and civil society engaged in monitoring the situation in Belarus. This approach confirms the EU strategy aimed at isolating the structures that contribute to the preservation of the authoritarian regime.
Nothing is over and it won't be over until we win!
Long Live Belarus!
