UK Imposes New Sanctions On Belarus After Presidential Election

The UK government has announced fresh sanctions against Belarus, targeting six individuals and three defence sector entities in response to what it described as a “sham” presidential election on January 26.

Belarusian incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko was declared winner on Monday, securing a seventh term in office.

The Central Election Committee announced that Lukashenko won 86.8 per cent of the vote, with voter turnout approaching 87 per cent.

While four other names appeared on the ballot, they were carefully selected to ensure no serious challenge to the current leadership.

No credible opposition candidates were allowed to run, with all key opposition figures either imprisoned or living in exile, while the election was not monitored by independent observers.

In a statement on Monday, the UK, alongside Canada, announced the sanctions on individuals said to be responsible for human rights violations and institutions supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Among the individuals sanctioned is Igor Vasilyevich Karpenko, Chairman of the Belarusian Central Election Commission, who is accused of overseeing the rigged election.

According to the UK government, the vote, which took place on Sunday, failed to meet international standards and has been widely condemned by its Western allies.

The statement read in parts, “The Chairman of the Belarusian Central Election Commission is among 9 individuals and entities designated by the UK today (Monday, 27 January) in a fresh wave of sanctions in response to yesterday’s sham election in Belarus.

“Following Lukashenko’s brutal crackdown in which critical voices within Belarus have been silenced, yesterday’s sham election failed to meet international standards and has been condemned by international partners.

“Alongside sanctioning leaders of institutions responsible for serious human rights violations in the country, the UK has excluded Belarusian defence companies from the UK economy—a sector of strategic importance to Lukashenko’s regime that is helping to facilitate Russia’s war in Ukraine.

“Working with international partners to protect UK national security is essential to delivering the foundations of the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change,” the statement read.

Among individuals, sanctions include Viktor Alexandrovich Dubrovka, Head of Penal Colony No. 11 in Vaukavysk; Pavel Ivanovich Kazakov, Head of Prison No. 1 in Hrodno; and Andrey Mikhailovich Tsedrik, Commanding Officer of Pre-trial Detention Centre No. 1 in Minsk.

Others are Andrei Valerievich Ananenko, Head of the security agency GUBOPiK and Mikhail Petrovitch Bedunkevich, Deputy Head of GUBOPiK.

In addition to individuals, the sanctions also included three Belarusian defence companies accused of supporting Russia’s military efforts.

These companies include ALEVKURP OJSC, a state-affiliated company specialising in radar and weapon control systems; Legmash Plant JSC, an ammunition manufacturer; and KB Unmanned Helicopters (UAVHeli), a drone developer and manufacturer.

The UK government said the action reflects its commitment to working with international allies to protect national security and uphold democratic values, forming part of its Plan for Change initiative.

According to the statement, the sanctions exclude the targeted individuals and companies from the UK economy. They are also intended to weaken Belarus’ ability to support Russia’s war in Ukraine by cutting off access to financial and material resources.

Belarus has been a key ally of Moscow, allowing its territory and airspace to be used for launching attacks on Ukraine and providing logistical support.

Reacting to the sanctions, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy criticised the Belarusian President, saying, “The world has become well-accustomed to Lukashenko’s cynical pretence of democracy in Belarus, while in reality he brutally represses civil society and opposition voices to strengthen his grip on power.

“The UK, alongside our partners, will continue to stand by the people of Belarus and expose those who deny them their legitimate right to freedom and democracy,” Lammy added.

UK Imposes New Sanctions On Belarus After Presidential Election is first published on The Whistler Newspaper