The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaia Kalas, said today that additional sanctions are needed against Belarus over its support for Russia in the war in Ukraine. The statement was made during a press conference in the European Parliament with representatives of the Belarusian opposition, BTA reports.
“We are working to expand sanctions against Minsk“, added Kalas, emphasizing that Belarus directly and indirectly supports military actions and participates in hybrid operations that threaten the security of EU countries. She gave examples of the closure of part of European airspace due to smuggled balloons sent from Belarus, as well as attempts at external intervention and migratory pressure on neighboring European countries.
“The people of Belarus do not approve of the actions of the Minsk regime“, said Kalas. She added that authoritarian regimes that rely on fear are more fragile than they seem, and that the courage of Belarusian oppositionists is an inspiration to all. Among them is opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya.