DISINFO: Sanctions against Belarus is EU interference in the internal affairs of a sovereign state
SUMMARY
Russia is in solidarity with its Belarusian allies in their categorical rejection of unilateral illegitimate restrictive measures introduced by Western countries in violation of international law. The so-called fourth sanctions package, adopted by the EU Council against Belarus on June 21, is the EU's interference in the internal affairs of a sovereign state.
RESPONSE
Recurring disinformation about Belarus claiming that the West is plotting against Belarus.
Western countries are not interfering, but reacting to events in Belarus, including oppression against civil society and for example, the forced landing of Ryanair flight FR4978 in Minks, on 23 May 2021.
The EU did not recognise the falsified results of the Belarusian Presidential election on 9 August 2020, nor the new mandate claimed by Alyaksandr Lukashenka.
The EU member states perceive the situation in Belarus in a unanimous way, appealing to the Belarusian authorities to stop violence, release political prisoners and organise democratic elections in Belarus.
This decision of the fourth package of EU sanctions was made in view of the escalation of serious human rights violations in Belarus and the violent repression of civil society, democratic opposition and journalists. Moreover, seven individuals and one entity subject to this new round of restrictive measures were designated in connection to the forced and unlawful landing of flight FR4978. The goal of these sanctions is to put pressure on the Belarusian political leadership to initiate a genuine and inclusive national dialogue with broader society and to avoid further repression.
See similar disinformation cases alleging that Russia has neutralised many Western attempts to topple the Belarusian government; the West pursues Maidan policy towards Belarus to encircle Russia; European policy of interference in Belarus continues and deepens.