The new measures aim to choke support networks aiding Russia’s aggression. Officials say the package will pressure Belarusian actors without drawing Belarus deeper into the war.
President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a new package of sanctions, including against Belarusian entities.
In a video address, he explained that this package aims to increase pressure on the aggressor country and to reduce the level of war and its activity.
The essence of the sanctions and the context
I have signed yet another sanctions package for Ukraine – a substantial package – including Belarusian entities. This is a signal to many of our partners about what pressure should be applied to reduce the level of this war and its intensity. Russia has no goodwill. It must be compelled to take certain steps necessary to reduce aggression, and let them call these gestures of goodwill
– Zelensky
He stressed that Belarus should not be drawn into the war.
There must be no operations against other European countries. There must be a peace worthy of this war that Russia is waging against Ukraine.
– Zelensky
According to the official address, Zelensky also announced new sanctions against Russian officials and collaborators in the occupied territories, involved in the kidnapping of Ukrainian children, and against 23 ships of Russia’s shadow fleet.
These decisions demonstrate a consistent course toward Ukraine’s security and strengthen our partners’ support in deterring aggression and defending the country’s sovereignty.