US discussing changes to Belarus sanctions with Ukraine, Bloomberg reports
Photo: The flag of Belarus (Getty Images)
The United States has proposed that Ukraine discuss with the European Union a possible easing of sanctions on Belarusian potassium fertilizer exports, Bloomberg reports.
The US raises the issue of sanctions on Belarusian potash
According to Bloomberg sources, the proposal concerns potash fertilizers — one of Belarus’s key export goods before 2022 and an important source of income for the regime of Alexander Lukashenko.
After Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began and Minsk supported Moscow’s actions, the European Union and the United States imposed restrictive measures on Belarusian exports, including fertilizers.
Washington sees a political calculation
According to the sources, US officials believe that a partial easing of the sanctions regime could influence Minsk’s foreign policy orientation.
In particular, Washington expects this could improve Belarus’s relations with the West and reduce its dependence on Russia.
At the same time, this is not about a full lifting of restrictions, but rather about possible targeted adjustments to sanctions policy affecting a key export sector.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Russia has five possible scenarios for expanding hostilities in the Chernihiv–Kyiv direction. According to him, Ukraine is taking these risks into account and plans to strengthen its military presence in the area in response to the potential threat.
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) believes Russia’s nuclear exercises are intended to demonstrate strength to Ukraine’s allies to pressure them. Analysts also assess that Moscow may be attempting to divert attention from failures on the battlefield.
