Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has expressed strong opposition to any easing of sanctions against Belarus, particularly concerning the Belarusian potash giant, Belaruskali. During a joint press conference with Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya in Kyiv, Sybiha emphasized that any illusions about reducing sanctions to influence Belarus away from Russian control are misguided.
Sybiha stated, “The regime of Lukashenka is too integrated into this criminal combination with the Russians. Therefore, we must act decisively. Our goal is to prevent the Belarusian people and Belarus from being drawn into someone else’s war.” His remarks come amid increasing pressure from international partners to reconsider sanctions.
When asked whether partners are attempting to persuade Ukraine to ease sanctions on Belarus, Sybiha firmly rejected any such approaches, asserting that the current moment calls for increased pressure rather than relaxation. He noted that Kyiv has received additional insights from Belarus regarding areas that should be included in both Ukrainian and European sanctions regimes.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya is visiting Kyiv as part of her ongoing efforts to garner support for Belarusian democracy. Recently, it was reported that the United States has formally requested Lithuania, Poland, and Ukraine to lift sanctions on Belarusian potash to facilitate its transit through their territories. This request was detailed in a letter from U.S. Special Representative for Belarus, John Cole, which was reviewed by the Belarusian service of Radio Free Europe.
The letter indicated that with the U.S. lifting sanctions on Belaruskali, American companies are now interested in purchasing and transporting Belarusian potash. This would necessitate transit through EU countries bordering Belarus or through Ukraine to avoid routing via Russia.
Ukraine's Foreign Minister has firmly opposed any easing of sanctions on Belarus, highlighting the integration of Belarus into Russian influence. This stance comes amid U.S. requests to lift sanctions on Belarusian potash to facilitate trade.