EU sanctions hit Belarusian, Russian entities in Lithuania

May 23, BPN. Lithuania has frozen some €80 million ($86 million) worth of assets belonging to 15 companies and one person sanctioned by the European Union over their ties to Belarus or Russia.

The Delfi news portal quoted Audrius Valeika, deputy head of the Financial Crime Investigation Service, as saying that most of the affected parties have challenged the freeze in court. He stopped short of saying if any appeals have been successful.

Valeika said it was a challenge that trade between Europe and Russia was still ongoing despite the sanctions, which target specific goods. He said some goods that could have both civilian and military uses might end up in Russia from Europe.

The EU has imposed sanctions on Belarus for its crackdown on dissent and its role in the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The measures include travel bans and asset freezes on officials and entities, as well as trade and financial restrictions. Lithuania, an EU member and a neighbor of Belarus, supports the sanctions.