EU extends scope of sanctions against Belarus over the Ukraine war

Aug. 3 (UPI) -- The EU's European Council on Thursday extended sanctions on Belarus to ban a number of highly sensitive goods and technologies in response to Belarusian involvement in Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

"The measures expand the ban on exports to Belarus to a number of highly sensitive goods and technologies which contribute to Belarus's military and technological enhancement," the EU's European Commission said in a statement.

The increased sanctions also impose an additional export ban on firearms and ammunition, and on aviation and space industry goods and technology.

The EU statement said the new measures will help to ensure that sanctions on Russia cannot be circumvented through Belarus.

"These restrictive measures are fast-tracked in view of the urgency linked to the fight against circumvention regarding certain highly sensitive goods and technologies," the EU statement said.

The EU added that its sanctions against Russia thus far have been effective.

"They are limiting Russia's ability to wage the war against Ukraine, including to manufacture new weapons and repair existing ones, as well as hinder its transport of material," the EU said.

The United States and EU also sanctioned Belarus in March 2022 targeting economic sectors like wood, steel and potash as well as restrictions on technology and software.

The EU said in addition to the expansion of Belarus sanctions it has added new anti-circumvention measures to the 11th package of EU sanctions against Russia announced in June.

The EU said it "stands united in its solidarity with Ukraine, and will continue to support Ukraine and its people together with its international partners, including through additional political, financial, military and humanitarian support for as long as necessary."