The EU is considering introducing price caps on petroleum product imports from Belarus

Pavel Latushka and Dirk Schuebel. Photo: NAM-media

The Lukashenko regime’s support for Russian aggression against Ukraine, the internal political situation in Belarus, and the activities of democratic forces were the main topics discussed during a meeting between Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet and Head of the National Anti-Crisis Management Pavel Latushka and Dirk Schuebel, Head of the Russia Division at the European External Action Service and former Head of the EU Delegation to Belarus, held in Brussels.

Pavel Latushka thanked Dirk Schuebel for his principled stance during his tenure at the EU Delegation in Belarus and for his continued support of the democratic movement.

The meeting addressed the potential introduction by the European Union of price restrictions on petroleum product supplies from Belarus.

"If such a decision is adopted, it will affect the sale potential of products from the Mozyr and Navapolatsk oil refineries. These refineries also supply petroleum products in the interests of Russia, which continues its aggression against Ukraine. This would deliver an additional blow to the revenues of the Lukashenko regime, which uses these funds to continue unprecedented repressions inside the country and support military aggression",

— noted Pavel Latushka.

As part of the 18th EU sanctions package, there is an ongoing discussion on a possible further reduction of the price cap on Russian oil, which could also affect sales of Belarusian oil extracted domestically.

Pavel Latushka also drew attention to an issue faced by Belarusians legally residing in the EU: difficulties in opening accounts with commercial banks.

"This is primarily linked not to sanctions, but to the internal policies of specific banks. An agreement was reached to send additional information to the European External Action Service requesting assistance in resolving this issue".

It was specifically noted that there is a shared understanding within the EU of the importance of a synchronized and harmonized approach to sanctions against both Russia and the Lukashenko regime, to prevent the use of Belarus as a channel for circumventing sanctions:

"This is strategically important for achieving the goal of stopping Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, which is being supported by the Lukashenko regime. It also limits Lukashenko’s ability to profit from the war and use those resources for internal repression",

— emphasized Pavel Latushka.

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