U.S. Treasury lifts sanctions on Belavia and permits operations with Lukashenko’s aircraft
The U.S.
Department of the Treasury has made a significant decision regarding the Belarusian airline Belavia by officially lifting sanctions against it and allowing operations with its aircraft.
This move came as a surprise to many analysts and experts, as NATO and the U.S.
had previously intensified pressure on Belarusian aviation as part of the broader effort to counter Lukashenko’s regime.
The new decision permits operations with airplanes related to the Belarusian dictator and his circle.
Specifically, it allows the use of the Bombardier Challenger 850 business jet registered EW-301PJ, which is used by members of Lukashenko’s family and close associates, along with aircraft bearing registration numbers EW-001PA, EW-001PB, and EW-001PH.
Although these aircraft remain under sanctions, the new permission enables their operational use within certain limits, raising questions about U.S.
policy toward Belarus.
Experts interpret this step as part of a strategy that could shift the regional balance of power and influence future sanctions policy.