U.S., Canada, and Britain Impose Sanctions on Belarus Over Support to Moscow

The United States, together with Canada and Britain, has imposed sanctions on individuals and entities in Belarus supporting Moscow's military efforts in Ukraine. The sanctions target those involved in military resource production and sanctions evasion, and aim to pressure President Alexander Lukashenko over human rights abuses and electoral fraud.

The United States, following a coordinated international effort with Canada and Britain, imposed sanctions on Friday on 19 individuals, 14 entities, and one aircraft in Belarus. These measures target those supporting Moscow's war in Ukraine through military resource production and the shipment of goods, the Treasury Department announced.

The sanctions, part of an executive order signed by President Joe Biden in 2021, aim to pressure Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, who is accused of severe human rights abuses and suppressing opposition during his three-decade-long rule. Lukashenko's administration denies these allegations.

Canada and Britain joined the U.S. in this action. Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly stated that Ottawa targeted 10 individuals and six entities in response to ongoing human rights violations in Belarus. Britain marked the fourth anniversary of Belarus's 2020 presidential elections, widely deemed flawed and illegitimate by independent observers.

(With inputs from agencies.)