Lifting sanctions on Belarusian fertilizers would help Putin, Zelenskyy's Office warns
Photo: President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko and Russian leader Vladimir Putin (Getty Images)
Russia will lose absolutely nothing from the lifting of sanctions on Belarusian potash. Such a move would only play into the hands of Russian leader Vladimir Putin, stated Ukrainian presidential adviser Dmytro Lytvyn in a comment to journalists.
Lytvyn was asked to comment on rumors that the United States is allegedly asking Ukraine to influence the EU and push for the lifting of sanctions on Belarusian fertilizers.
He noted that it would be inappropriate to disclose the details of bilateral communications.
"Everyone can see this 'buzz' around potash, and it is unlikely to bring peace closer; rather, it gives Putin confidence that he can also wait out sanctions until they are eased," Lytvyn explained.
The presidential adviser also pointed out that even if sanctions on Belarusian potash are lifted, and Russia earns slightly less from fertilizer sales or transit, it would not have a significant impact on the situation.
"Maybe they will slightly reduce expenses on Lukashenko, because he will be able to earn more himself, and overall they will lose nothing. And the question there is not so much about this, but about the approach itself—that sanctions can be eased," he added.
Rumors about sanctions on Belarus
Bloomberg previously reported, citing its own sources, that the US allegedly asked Ukraine to discuss with the European Union the possibility of easing sanctions on Belarusian potassium.
Potash fertilizers were one of Belarus’s key export items before 2022.
According to journalists, the US allegedly believes that easing sanctions could influence Belarus’s foreign policy.
