In a significant move to exert pressure on Belarus, the US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has increased sanctions targeting three Belarusian cargo airlines and a government-owned aircraft used by Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko. The action aims to disrupt key transportation networks linked to Belarus and its allies.
Targeted Airlines and Their Alleged Activities
The OFAC’s recent sanctions focus on three Belarusian cargo airlines: Rada Airlines, Rubystar Airways, and Belcanto Airlines. Each of these carriers has been accused of engaging in activities that undermine international norms and support controversial operations.
Rada Airlines
It has been accused of supporting private military contractors, specifically the Wagner Group, which is known to act as a proxy for the Russian government. Wagner Group has been involved in military activities across Africa, and Rada Airlines is alleged to have transported their personnel to and from various African nations, including Libya, Mali, and the Central African Republic. Additionally, Rada Airlines is reportedly linked to the trafficking of exotic animals between Mexico and Venezuela. The airline operates three Il-62M aircraft, with two currently active and flying to several destinations in Africa.
Rubystar Airways
Belarusian Cargo Airlines is under scrutiny for its support of the Russian military. The airline is alleged to have transported Russian troops to Africa and delivered military helicopters to an unnamed African country on behalf of a Russian company. Rubystar Airways operates one An-12(BP) and three Il-76TDs. The involvement of Rubystar Airways in these activities has led to its designation by the OFAC, alongside its executives, Dmitry Olegovich Ishchenko and Ivan Nikolaevich Nareiko.
Belcanto Airlines
This is the third Belarusian cargo airline facing sanctions. This airline was founded in 2020 and began operations in 2022, taking over aircraft and continuing the operations of the previously sanctioned TAE Avia (formerly Transaviaexport Airlines). Despite its recent establishment, Belcanto Airlines is alleged to have operated under the same leadership as TAE Avia and engaged in similar activities. The airline currently does not operate any aircraft.
The sanctions against these Belarusian cargo airlines are part of a broader effort to isolate Belarus economically and politically. By targeting transportation networks crucial for military and illicit operations, the OFAC aims to weaken the support structures for controversial activities linked to Belarus and its allies.
Sanctions on Government Aircraft
In addition to the airlines, the OFAC has also sanctioned a government-owned aircraft used by Alexander Lukashenko. The aircraft, a VIP Boeing 767-300ER with the registration EW-001PB, is used as a presidential jet. This move is part of a series of sanctions targeting high-profile executive aircraft linked to the Belarusian government. Previously, the OFAC had designated two other aircraft operated by Belavia, the Belarusian national airline.
The Boeing 767-300ER, designated in this round of sanctions, is the last of the three executive aircraft used by the Belarusian government to face sanctions. The earlier sanctions targeted a Boeing 737-800(BBJ) and a Bombardier Challenger 850, both used for similar high-profile governmental functions. By sanctioning these aircraft, the OFAC aims to further isolate the Belarusian leadership and restrict their access to key resources and travel options.
Lifting of Sanctions on a Ukrainian Aircraft
In a related move, the OFAC also lifted sanctions on a specific aircraft formerly linked to Ukrainian oligarch Viktor Vekselberg. The aircraft, an Airbus ACJ319-100 with the registration P4-MIS, was previously sanctioned and linked to Vekselberg, who faced restrictions due to corruption allegations. The aircraft was deregistered from Aruba in 2023 and is currently stored at Basel/Mulhouse/Freiburg, Switzerland, without a new registration or operator.
The lifting of sanctions on this aircraft marks a shift in the OFAC’s approach, reflecting changes in its sanctioning strategy and the broader geopolitical landscape. This move demonstrates the OFAC’s ongoing efforts to adjust its sanctions policies in response to evolving circumstances and international developments.
