U.S. renews, expands sanctions against Putin ally, Belarus President Lukashenko

The Treasury Department on Tuesday renewed sanctions against Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko that also extend now to some of his family members.

Lukashenko has long been a top ally of Russian Leader Vladimir Putin, who has invaded neighboring Ukraine.  Secretary of State Antony Blinken has criticized the Belarus leader for his "support and facilitation of the Russian Federation's invasion."

The U.S. also added several senior Russian defense officials to its new round of U.S. sanctions, with the invasion now in its third week.

"The United States, with support from allies and partners, is taking action to promote accountability for the Russian and Belarusian governments’ human rights abuses and violations within and outside their borders," Bliken said in a statement.

Ahead of Russia's late February invasion of Ukraine, Belarus allowed allowed Russia to deploy combat forces along its border.

Recently, Lukashenko ordered his military to prevent Ukraine or any Western allies to cut off Russian supply lines.

The most recent round of sanctions freezes Lukashenko's assets and bars any transactions with U.S. entities. He is also not allowed inside the U.S., nor is his ex-wife or any of his three sons.