Tuesday, the United States applied new sanctions on the Belarusian President, Alexander Lukashenko after he supported Russia’s attack against Ukraine.
According to the US Treasury Department, in addition to Lukashenko, several Russians who have either been involved in suppressing Russian protest or responsible for the occupation in Ukraine have been targeted with sanctions for human rights abuses, including eleven Russian military leaders.
In connection with this, Anthony Blinken the Secretary of State said, “The Russian government has intensified a crackdown against its own citizens’ freedom of expression, including for members of the press, as well as freedom of association and peaceful assembly. Today in Russia, those who provide factual reporting on the invasion or criticize Putin face criminal charges.”
Blinken also states that the National Guard “has cracked down on Russian citizens who have taken to the streets to protest their government’s brutal campaign in Ukraine,” explaining that among the list of Russian officials receiving sanctions is Russia’s head of National Guard, Viktor Zolotov.
Since Belarus has aided and supported Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the country’s authoritarian leaders, both Alexander Lukashenko and his wife Halina, receive sanctions that intend to block their property and interest in the United States, as well as cut-off any transactions between them and Americans.
Before the attack on Ukraine, Belarus allowed Russian troops to be stationed there. Belarus’ border has shown to be a strategic aid for Russia since its borders are closer to Kyiv, making easier and quicker access for Russian troops.
The Office of Foreign Assets Control Director, Andrea Gacki said in a statement, “Today’s designations demonstrate the United States will continue to impose concrete and significant consequences for those who engage in corruption or are connected to gross violations of human rights. We condemn Russia’s attacks on humanitarian corridors in Ukraine and call on Russia to cease its unprovoked and brutal war against Ukraine.”
