The United States warned Belarus about the introduction of additional sanctions in case of participation of the country in the alleged aggression of Russia against Ukraine. This is stated in the message of the Bureau of the US State Department for European and Eurasian Affairs. Assistant Secretary of State Karen Donfried had a conversation with Belarusian Foreign Minister Vladimir Makei.
«Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Karen Donfried spoke with Belarusian Foreign Minister Vladimir Makei today about the concerning buildup of Russian troops in Belarus and the continued human rights abuses by the Lukashenka regime,» the message states.
Donfried expressed concern about Russia’s announced plan to bring 30,000 troops into Belarus for military exercises, particularly with more than 100,000 troops already stationed on Russia’s border with Ukraine.
«Assistant Secretary Donfried also emphasized that Belarus would face commensurate consequences as Russia if it were part of a plan to further invade Ukraine,» the department added.
She also underscored that the current U.S. sanctions against the Lukashenka regime are in response to its ongoing human rights abuses. She called on the regime to release political prisoners.
The Belarusian Foreign Ministry has not yet reported on the conversation.
Source: Reform.by
