EU Tightens Sanctions on Belarus After US Moves Woo Minsk.

The article discusses the European Union's recent expansion of sanctions against Belarus, highlighting the contrasting approaches of the EU and the United States towards the Belarusian regime under President Alexander Lukashenko. The new EU sanctions target individuals undermining democratic institutions and come in response to provocations, such as weather balloons entering Lithuanian airspace. This development follows the US decision to lift restrictions on Belarus's potash exports and the release of political prisoners by Lukashenko, illustrating the divisions within the Trans-Atlantic alliance regarding engagement with Belarus and its ties to Russia. Potash is identified as a key export for Belarus, with significant implications for its economy and relations with Russia. [Extracted from the article]