Putin opposes EU proposal for new sanctions on Belarus

MOSCOW

Russian President Vladimir Putin opposed on Wednesday a EU proposal for new sanctions on Belarus.

Putin and President of the EU Council Charles Michel discussed the current migrant crisis at the Belarus-Poland border during a telephone call, the Kremlin said in a statement.

The Russian president reiterated that Polish security forces used sound bombs and tear gas at the borders and Putin expressed hope that Michel will work with Polish authorities to avoid actions that can escalate an already tense situation and prevent violent actions against migrants, it said.

The statement added that Putin and Michel also addressed developments concerning Ukraine, Afghanistan, Libya and Upper Karabakh.

Since August, European Union countries bordering Belarus -- Lithuania, Latvia and Poland -- have reported a dramatically growing number of irregular crossings.

More than 8,000 people have tried to enter the bloc via the Belarus-EU border in 2021, up sharply from just 150 last year.

According to the EU, Belarus reaches out to potential travelers through seemingly official channels, including diplomatic missions and travel agencies, and invites them to Belarus by offering them visas. They are then allegedly guided to the EU border.

In the last week, at least 2,000 people, including women and children, have been stuck at the Belarusian-Polish border area in dire conditions.