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Belshina, Sanctions, and the BIC Investigation
The Belarusian Investigative Center's report reveals Belshina's supply of tires to the Russian military, challenging the EU's decision to partially lift sanctions and sparking calls for renewed measures.
Russian
Germany
RussiaMilitaryEuropean UnionInvestigationSanctionsBelarus
Belarusian Investigative Center (Bic)European Union (Eu)Council Of The European Union (Cfsp)BelshinaUnited Transitional Cabinet
Alexander LukashenkoDmitry LukashenkoMaxim SavchukPavel Latushko
- How much money did Belshina allegedly make from supplying tires to Russia and who ultimately benefited?
- The BIC's investigation revealed that Belshina's sales to Russia, through intermediaries, generated significant revenue exceeding \$19.5 million. A company linked to Lukashenko's family ultimately benefited from these sales. The EU acknowledged receiving the report and is reviewing it.
- What evidence did the Belarusian Investigative Center (BIC) uncover regarding Belshina's involvement with the Russian military?
- The Belarusian Investigative Center (BIC) found that Belshina, a Belarusian state-owned tire manufacturer, supplied tires to the Russian military, even though some EU sanctions were lifted. This contradicts the EU court's decision to partially lift sanctions, as it deemed Belshina not a significant source of income for Lukashenko's regime.
- What is the position of Belarusian opposition groups regarding the BIC's investigation and the future of sanctions against Belshina?
- Pavel Latushko, a representative of the United Transitional Cabinet, highlights the BIC's report provides grounds to reinstate sanctions. The report revealed Belshina's direct support of Russian aggression, which wasn't known when the initial sanctions were imposed. This new evidence strengthens the case for sanctions.
- Why did the EU court partially lift sanctions on Belshina in the first place, and how does the BIC investigation challenge this decision?
- The EU partially lifted sanctions on Belshina in March 2024, believing insufficient evidence linked the company to Lukashenko's regime or the repression of protestors. The BIC's findings directly contradict this assessment, providing new evidence of Belshina's support for the regime via military supply contracts with Russia.
- What is the current status of sanctions on Belshina by the EU and other countries, and what actions might be taken in response to the BIC's findings?
- While the EU court lifted some sanctions on Belshina, the EU and other countries like the US, Japan, Switzerland, and Ukraine maintain other sanctions on the company and its assets. The EU is considering the new evidence from the BIC's investigation, and Belarusian opposition groups are urging the EU to reinstate sanctions.