USA Delivered Sanction Ultimatum To Lukashenka

The five blocks of sanctions against the regime will remain in place until the condition is met.

The US State Department called on the Belarusian authorities to release all political prisoners immediately and unconditionally. A statement to this effect, signed by Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, appeared on the website of the agency on January 27.

The State Department reminded that according to Belarusian human rights activists, as of January 27, there were more than 1,000 political prisoners in custody.

"The United States reiterates its call for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners, recognizing it as a necessary step for Belarus to overcome the political crisis. We will continue to pursue justice for victims [of political repression] and accountability for perpetrators. We call upon Belarus to honour its commitments undertaken as a participating State in the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, and international legal obligations to protect human rights and fundamental freedoms. We support the people of Belarus as they seek a future based on the rule of law and responsible democratic governance," the US Department of State said on its website.

"The United States, in coordination with allies and partners, has imposed five blocks of sanctions against officials and supporters of the brutal Lukashenka regime since August 2020. These sanctions will remain in place until the authorities cease their incessant repression of the Belarusian people, as well as unconditionally release all political prisoners," Blinken added.