Since autumn everything has changed: Zelenskyy says Lukashenko crossed a line

Volodymyr Zelenskyy explained his decision to impose sanctions on self-proclaimed Alexander Lukashenko after four years of full-scale war. He spoke about this in his video address on February 18.

He said the sanctions were Ukraine’s response to Belarus’s increasing involvement in Russia’s war.

«Lukashenko is used to trading the sovereignty of his state and has surrendered many of Belarus’s interests to the Russians. Russia even brought the full-scale war into Ukraine, including from Belarusian territory — that is a fact. But for a long time, Lukashenko restrained from taking direct harsh actions in Russia’s favor, ” Zelenskyy acknowledges.

However, since last autumn, Ukraine has recorded relay stations in Belarus that support strike drones. These relays enabled Russia to carry out attacks on northern regions, from Kyiv and Kyiv region to Volyn, including strikes on energy and railway infrastructure.

«Lukashenko continues to play into Putin’s dangerous geopolitical game with „Oreshnik“, which poses a Europe-wide threat. Belarus is still used as a base for supplying components, equipment, and machinery to the Russian army. Considering all this, we are adjusting policy and will respond appropriately. Minsk must understand this, ” he said.

Zelenskyy described the sanctions as a «political signal.»

«I have instructed a careful review of all schemes by Lukashenko and his associates. We will respond more decisively. We will work with our partners regionally, across Europe, and globally to ensure they fully understand the Belarusian regime. Belarus — its country, people, and nation — must not be lost to Europe. But this individual, who puts Belarus at Russia’s service, should definitely be „lost, ” Zelenskyy concluded.