5 key questions on tighter Belarus sanctions
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US Sanctions to Hit Eight Belarusian Banks, Though Only One Is On List
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By Dzianis Melyantsou
Last week, the EU approved the third batch of sanctions against the Belarusian regime, including individuals and entities. Sanctions are unlikely to prompt changes in domestic policies but will deepen the crisis in political relations between Minsk and Brussels.
On December 17, the EU Council decided to add 29 individuals and seven entities to the sanctions list. Entities include the Belarusian Presidential Administration, Beltechexport CJSC, Dana Holdings / Dana Astra, Sinezis LLC, Agat OJSC, “140 Repair Plant” OJSC, and the “Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant” (MZKT) OJSC. Two businessmen, Alexander Shakutin and Nikolai Vorobei, who, according to the EU, sponsor the Lukashenka s regime, were also included in the list.
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The European Union on Thursday expanded its sanctions on Belarus to include businessmen and firms close to Alexander Lukashenko s regime, as it stepped up pressure over a crackdown on protests.
The third round of punitive measures hit 27 officials, two businessmen and seven companies seen as backing Lukashenko as he clings to power in the face of mass demonstrations following a disputed election in August.
Lukashenko, his son, and more than 50 Belarusian officials have already been subjected to measures including EU asset freezes and visa bans.
Moguls Alexander Shakutin and Nikolai Vorobei whose interests range from construction and agriculture to petroleum were the first businessmen to be hit by the sanctions regime.