U.S. measures to punish the grounding of Belarusian jets

The U.S. has taken action to punish Belarus Crash landing Last weekend, Ryanair’s flight announced that it will re-impose sanctions on nine state-owned companies in the country and will work with the EU to develop a list of additional targets.

In a statement late Friday, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki stated that Washington is “taking steps with our partners and allies to hold the regime accountable for its actions and to demonstrate our commitment to the wishes of the people”. Belarus”.

On Sunday, the Belarusian authorities transferred a jet of Ryanair between Greece and Lithuania to Minsk so that they can Detain dissidents on board.

The shameless move triggered a wave of Western condemnation of the president Alexander LukashenkoThe government close to Russia and its President Putin, as well as the European Union, moved quickly to punish Belarus. The United States reacted slowly, but began to take action on Friday.

Psaki said that starting June 3, the United States will re-impose “total blockade sanctions” on nine Belarusian state-owned companies, which have previously received sanctions relief from the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

In addition, the White House press secretary stated that the United States is “developing a list of sanctions against key members of the regime.” Belarus These incidents are “related to continued violations of human rights and corruption, falsification of the 2020 elections, and the events of May 23.”

Psaki added that the Treasury Department will also prepare an executive order for President Joe Biden to sign, authorizing the US “authorities to impose sanctions on members of the Belarusian regime” and “its support network, as well as those who support corruption and abuse of power.” Human rights and attacks on democracy”.

Washington’s repression also included the U.S. State Department’s warning to American citizens to avoid going to Belarus, and a notice from U.S. passenger airlines “to be extra careful when considering flying in Belarusian airspace”-although this does not appear to have reached a complete ban.

Earlier this week, the EU agreed to expand Sanctions Oppose Belarus and ban its state-owned airlines from entering the airport of the group in response to intercepted flights. Brussels also called for the immediate release of the main activist Roman Protasevich and his partner Sofia Sapega, who were detained after they were forced to land in Minsk on a Ryanair flight.

Washington’s move may complicate negotiations summit The talks between Biden and Putin will be held in Geneva in mid-June, hoping that the two countries will work to mend the rapidly deteriorating relationship in recent months.