Britain and Canada impose sanctions against Belarus

Targeted against the heads of institutions responsible for serious human rights violations and Belarusian defense sector companies that support Russia's war against Ukraine.

The United Kingdom, together with Canada, has imposed sanctions on six individuals and three organizations in response to the rigging of the presidential election in Belarus, the press service of the United Kingdom government reported on Monday, January 27.

The report noted that the sanctions are aimed at the heads of institutions responsible for serious human rights violations and companies in the Belarusian defense sector that support Russia's war against Ukraine.

It is noted that the elections in the Republic of Belarus did not meet international standards and were condemned by international partners.

Sanctions were imposed against the head of the Belarusian Central Election Commission, Igor Karpenko, and representatives of the Main Department for Combating Organized Crime and Corruption and the Penitentiary System.

In turn, the United Kingdom excluded Belarusian defense companies, a sector of strategic importance to the Lukashenko regime, which is contributing to Russia's war against Ukraine.

The following companies were sanctioned: OJSC ALEVKURP, a subsidiary of Belarus specializing in the research, development, and production of radar systems and weapons control systems; OJSC Legmash Plant, a Belarusian enterprise that produces ammunition for the Belarusian defense complex; and KB Bezpilotniy Heliloty (Unmanned Helicopter Design Bureau), a Belarusian developer and manufacturer of unmanned aerial vehicles.

Brussels said the vote in Belarus was not free and fair. However, Hungary blocked the joint EU statement.