President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a decree imposing a package of sanctions on Alexander Lukashenko for actively supporting Russian aggression. Kyiv accuses Minsk of providing technology for drone control and supplying components for Oryol missiles. Simultaneously, the Kremlin threatens to use naval force in response to trade blockades imposed by Western countries, calling the actions of Europe and the USA 'piracy' in the Baltic Sea and Atlantic.

Sanctions on Lukashenko

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a decree on restrictions against the leader of Belarus for supporting the production of Oryol missiles and providing bases for drones.

Kremlin's Naval Threats

Nikolai Patrushev announced the use of the Russian Navy to 'break through blockades' in the Baltic and protect tankers from NATO countries.

End of Telegram in Russia

From April 1, 2026, the Telegram messenger will be completely blocked, which is intended to facilitate authorities' control over information ahead of a new mobilization.

Energy from Canada

The Canadian government announced increased investment in the Ukrainian energy sector, providing equipment to repair infrastructure destroyed by Russian airstrikes.

The decision by Volodymyr Zelenskyy to subject Alexander Lukashenko to direct sanctions represents a significant escalation of Kyiv's policy towards Minsk. Ukrainian services have proven that Belarus not only provided its territory for attacks but actively engaged in the supply chain of the Russian defense sector. According to the Ukrainian president, over 3,000 Belarusian enterprises support the war machine there, supplying key components for modern missile systems such as the Oryol. This cooperation also includes the construction of relay stations for drones, enabling Russians to carry out more effective strikes in northern regions of Ukraine. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion in 2022, Belarus has served as a logistical base for Russian troops, but systematically imposing sanctions on the head of state itself has so far been a less frequently used political instrument by Kyiv. At the same time, tensions are rising along the Baltic Sea communication lines. Nikolai Patrushev, advisor to Vladimir Putin and head of the Maritime Collegium, warned that Russia will use its navy to protect its tankers from actions by NATO countries. Moscow calls attempts to control the so-called shadow fleet 'modern-day piracy'. Patrushev emphasized that any blockade of Russian ships will be treated as a violation of international law, which may force the Kremlin to escalate militarily in international waters. An additional element of internal pressure in Russia is the planned complete blocking of the Telegram messenger by Roskomnadzor on April 1, 2026. „We are intensifying counteraction against all forms of Lukashenko's complicity in killing Ukrainians.” — Volodymyr Zelenskyy In response to the difficult geopolitical situation, the European Commission presented a support strategy for regions bordering Russia and Belarus. The investment program aims not only to strengthen border protection against hybrid attacks but also to counter economic degradation on the eastern flank of the European Union. A key element is to be the Eastern Flank Watch initiative, focusing on anti-drone systems and securing airspace. Suppliers to the Russian army: 3000 April 1 — date of planned Telegram blocking in Russia Liberal media emphasize the need to tighten sanctions and EU solidarity with border regions in the face of Russian naval blackmail. | Conservative and Kremlin-leaning media portray Western actions as piracy and illegal blockade, justifying a military response.

Mentioned People

  • Wołodymyr Zełenski — President of Ukraine, who signed the decree imposing sanctions on the leader of Belarus.
  • Alaksandr Łukaszenka — Leader of Belarus subjected to new restrictions by Kyiv for complicity in the war.
  • Nikołaj Patruszew — Putin's advisor and head of the Maritime Collegium of Russia, threatening military retaliation at sea.