US Considers Sanctions on Belarus Over Election Fraud Allegations... "If Military Intervention Occurs, Russia Will Also Be Sanctioned"

US State Department Official Prepares Sanctions Against 7 Belarusians
Deputy Secretary Biegun Has Already Warned Russia

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Following the European Union (EU), the United States is also considering imposing sanctions related to allegations of election fraud in the Belarus presidential election and the subsequent harsh crackdown on protests.

According to major foreign media on the 1st (local time), a U.S. State Department official who requested anonymity said that a plan to sanction seven Belarusians is under review. The specific list of sanction targets has not been confirmed. However, the official indicated that Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko is already subject to sanctions and thus is not included in the additional sanctions.

The basis for the sanctions is expected to be an executive order issued during President George W. Bush's administration. According to this measure, sanctions can be imposed on those who undermine Belarus's democratic processes or institutions or who have oppressed human rights for political repression purposes.

Moreover, if Russia intervenes militarily in the crackdown on anti-government protests in Belarus, there is consideration to expand the sanctions to include Russia as well.

Belarusian citizens protesting against election fraud in last month's presidential election [Image source=Yonhap News]

According to the official, when Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun visited Russia last week, he explained in detail the U.S. response if Russia interferes in Belarus's internal affairs. Biegun also explained to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and other officials that if Russia intervenes militarily in the Belarus situation, there would be serious consequences for bilateral relations.

Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that if necessary, Russia would dispatch police reserves and other forces to Belarus to support President Lukashenko. However, he also indicated that such measures are unnecessary at this stage.

The State Department official explained, "This action (sanctions) is the minimum effort to hold accountable those responsible for election fraud and the suppression of peaceful protests."

Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department official noted that although the EU first expressed its intention to sanction Belarus, due to policy coordination and scheduling, actual sanctions are expected to be difficult before the end of this month or early next month.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.