Western sanctions stopped Belarusian exports worth over $16 billion to EU, US: Belarus PM

As ongoing Russia-Ukraine war entered its 82nd day, Belarusian Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko claimed that western sanctions imposed on his country h prevented $16 to $18 billion worth of its yearly exports to Western nations, Belta news agency reported. Golovchenko asserted, “Because of sanctions, almost all of Belarus' exports to countries of European Union and North America have been blocked. This...comes to about $16 billion to $18 billion a year”, DW reported. 

Furr, this came at a time when Chief of General Staff of Belarus, Viktor Gulevich, stated that country's Armed Forces would deploy special operations forces to Ukrainian border because " United States (US) and its allies" are increasing ir military presence at state boundaries. According to a statement me on May 10, Tuesday, “In order to ensure security of Republic of Belarus in sourn direction, forces of units of special operations forces are deployed in three tactical directions". It is worth noting that Belarus has committed to supporting Russia from beginning of conflict. 

Lukashenko has demanded involvement in Russia-Ukraine peace talks

In dition to this, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has demanded that his country must be included in talks to end war in Ukraine, claiming that Minsk has been wrongly portrayed as "an accomplice of aggressor." According to media reports, Belarus has underlined its displeasure with Western countries' objections to Minsk's involvement in Russia-Ukraine peace negotiations.  

Anatoly Glaz, a spokesperson for Belarus' Ministry of Foreign Affairs, remarked on state television that West does not want to include Belarus in way of accomplishing an accord between Russian Federation and Ukraine, according to ZN.UA. 

As per media reports, Glaz's comments were me after Belarusian President Lukashenko said on April 7 that Russia-Ukraine negotiations could not proceed without Minsk's involvement. Belarus' point of view should be expressed during se conversations, according to Lukashenko, since Belarus has been "dragged into this by nations such as West". 

Meanwhile, earlier in month of May, Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schellenberg asserted amid announcement of sixth package of sanctions on Russia that fresh EU sanctions package would affect Russia's and Belarus' military-industrial complex.  

Following a meeting of Austrian Cabinet of Ministers, Foreign Minister indicated that removal of more Russian banks from SWIFT system, particularly Russia's largest bank, Sberbank, h impacted Belarusian banks. As per media reports, he said that tough penalties are intended primarily at Russia's and Belarus' military-industrial complexes. 

(Image: AP)