As part of the actions, US Treasury Department blacklisted Belaruskali OAO, one of Belarus´ largest state-owned enterprises and one of the world´s largest producers of potash, which is used in fertilizers and is Belarus´ main foreign currency earner; as well as other companies deeply involved in the oil, coal, tobacco, construction, energy and transportation businesses.

Likewise, the US actions also affect private banking sector, specifically Absolutbank, and Belarus´ Olympic Committee, which was accused of facilitating money laundering, sanctions evasion and circumventing visa bans.

President Alexander Lukashenko was reelected in August, 2020, reaching up over 80% of votes, but most Western nations refuse to recognize his victory.

pgh/Pll/msm / avr