The leaders of the EU countries (EU) called on to introduce new sanctions against Belarus due to the forced landing of the airline of the Ryanair airline in Minsk and the detaining on board the creator of the Telegram channel NEXTA Roman Protasevich. It is reported by RIA Novosti.
EU countries demanded to free Protasevich and his girl Sophia Sarega. EU leaders also called on European air carriers to avoid flights over Belarus.
Previously the largest fraction of the European Parliament – the European People’s Party (UNP) – called for a complete cessation of flights with Belorussia after the forced landing of the Irish LouroSter Ryanair. The faction also made a requirement to adopt the fourth package of sanctions against Belarus.
On May 23, the airline of the Ryanair airline, following the route Athens – Vilnius, made an emergency landing in Minsk after reports of mining received from Minsk airport. To accompany the aircraft, the Fighter MiG-29 of the Air Force of Belarus was raised. Immediately after landing, Belarusian security forces detained on board Protasevich.