Since October 2020, the EU has progressively imposed restrictive measures against Belarus in response to the fraudulent nature presidential elections in 2020, and the intimidation and violent repression of peaceful protesters, opposition members and journalists.

The democratic opposition, including the opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, was awarded the 2020 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought.

The Belarusian regime has became an ally with Russia’s illegal war on Ukraine. This includes the so-called referendum reinstating the country’s nuclear status, but also that Belarus has allowed Russian troops and weapons to move through its territory, use its airspace, refuel and store military ammunition.

Therefore, the EU has extended the sanctios package against Russia to Belarus. The EP has recently called that "all EU sanctions issued against Russia must be strictly mirrored for Belarus and implemented appropriately".

Othmar KARAS meets with Sviatlana TSIKHANOUSKAYA, exiled Belarusian opposition leader