Ukraine imposes sanctions on Belarus's Lukashenka, shifts policy towards opposition (osw.waw.pl)

• Ukraine sanctions Lukashenka on 18 Feb 2026 for supporting Russia's war, including drone relay stations and nuclear blackmail via Oreshnik missiles.
• Over 3,000 Belarusian companies involved in supplying Russian defense industry.
• Policy shift ends previous dialogue with Minsk; Ukraine now recognizes Tsikhanouskaya as democratic leader.
• US-Belarus thaw and personnel changes in Kyiv (Budanov replacing Yermak) influenced decision.

"On 18 February 2026, Ukraine imposed sanctions on Alyaksandr Lukashenka, citing Belarus's increased role in supporting Russia's war effort, including drone relay stations and nuclear blackmail with Oreshnik missiles. The move marks a departure from previous dialogue with Minsk and aligns with Ukraine's recognition of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya as the leader of democratic Belarus. Concerns over a US-Belarus thaw and personnel changes in Kyiv's Presidential Office contributed to the shift. Tsikhanouskaya's visit to Kyiv is anticipated."