Lifting sanctions against Belavia threatens Ukraine: Expert reveals Russia’s secret plan
Belarus could strengthen Russia’s army thanks to US sanctions relief, as Minsk would become a «gateway» for Russian aviation.
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US lifts sanctions / © Associated Press
The lifting of US sanctions on the Belarusian airline Belavia could provide Minsk with access to components for Western-produced aircraft, which would likely allow Belarus to repair its own aircraft and partially supply spare parts to Russian air carriers.
Military expert and electronic warfare specialist Anatoliy Khrapchynskyi said this on the air of Ukrainian Radio.
He clarified that, as of now, the US Treasury has not published official statements on lifting the sanctions imposed in 2021. However, if this happens, the main issue will not be so much in the legal sphere as in access to scarce components. Currently, both Russia and Belarus are forced to purchase old aircraft as «donors» to repair their air fleets.
According to Khrapchynskyi, several aspects need to be taken into account. First and foremost, which specific sanctions will be lifted, whether they will affect only Belavia, and also whether the maintenance company Belavia Technics will be allowed to obtain certificates.
«If a full lifting of sanctions occurs, then Belarus will begin actively receiving components for its six Boeing aircraft and, possibly, will start supplying a certain amount of components for Russian Boeing aircraft or the same Embraer ones,» he noted.
It also remains unknown whether Belarusians will become a «gateway» for Russia.
The expert warns that lifting sanctions could turn Belarus into a channel for supplying spare parts for the Russian air fleet, which largely consists of Western-produced aircraft.
Khrapchynskyi suggested that sanctions might be lifted with restrictions, for example, with permission to supply components only for certain Belavia aircraft for their maintenance.
The expert added that even in the event of lifting US sanctions, European restrictions will still be in effect. This means that Belavia will not be able to carry out flights to Europe. The question also lies in how the international community will react to such a step: whether it will be controlled, or whether the world will «turn a blind eye.»