Lukashenko Faces Ukraine Sanctions

In a significant move amid ongoing regional tensions, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has officially imposed sanctions on Alexander Lukashenko, the self-proclaimed president of Belarus. The sanctions, announced on February 18, 2026, are in response to Lukashenko’s actions which have been deemed as direct support for Russian military operations against Ukraine.

According to the decree signed by Zelenskyy, these measures were prompted by Belarus’ involvement in enhancing Russian military capabilities, including the deployment of a network of relay stations in late 2025 that control attack drones. These drones have played a crucial role in facilitating Russian strikes on northern Ukraine. Furthermore, over 3,000 Belarusian enterprises have been involved in supplying Russia with essential machinery and components, including those used in missile production which have been used against Ukrainian targets.

The sanctions also address the deployment of intermediate-range missiles, Oreshnik, on Belarusian soil, escalating threats not only to Ukraine but to European security at large. This military collaboration with Russia is seen as part of Lukashenko’s strategy to maintain power at the cost of Belarusian sovereignty. Additionally, Lukashenko is accused of supporting the forced deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia, intensifying his regime’s human rights violations.

Global responses align with Ukraine’s stance, as the European Union, the United States, Japan, Canada, Switzerland, and New Zealand have previously sanctioned Lukashenko for his role in human rights abuses and aiding Russian aggression. Vladyslav Vlasiuk, Advisor-Commissioner for Sanctions Policy to President Zelenskyy, emphasized the need for a unified sanctions regime against Belarus akin to that against Russia, highlighting ongoing efforts by Belarusian entities to circumvent EU sanctions.