Belarusian Ambassador to South Korea Andrew Chernetsky speaks of South Korea-Belarus relations during an interview with The Korea Times at the Embassy of Belarus in Seoul, Oct. 23. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk

Belarusian Ambassador to South Korea Andrew Chernetsky spoke out about the effects of international sanctions, saying these measures have not only failed to impact Belarus but have also harmed Korea economically.

Sanctions imposed by the Korean government are respected and understood as sovereign decisions," Chernetsky said during an interview with The Korea Times at the Belarusian Embassy in Seoul on Oct. 23. "However, such restrictions do not foster mutual understanding or solve underlying problems. Instead, they exacerbate global economic challenges."

Belarus has stood as a steadfast ally of Russia, particularly evident in its unwavering support for Russia's aggressive actions in Ukraine. Since the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the ongoing invasion of Ukraine, Belarus has provided substantial political, logistical and military backing to Russia. This alliance has not gone unnoticed and has resulted in widespread international condemnation and the imposition of sanctions.

Chernetsky highlighted the long-standing trade restrictions faced by Belarus from the United States and Europe since 2004 and questioned their legal basis.

"The only justification given by the U.S. and its allies is their desire for us to change our policies to match their standards. But every region has its own standards and way of life," he said. "Imposing one country's way of behavior onto another is akin to forcing one family's rules onto another. It's not conducive to healthy international relations."

Belarus's endorsement of Russia's annexation of Crimea and its involvement in the Ukraine invasion have drawn significant criticism. The international community views these actions as flagrant violations of international law and Ukrainian sovereignty. By aligning with Russia, Belarus has positioned itself in direct opposition to numerous Western nations and international bodies advocating for Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty.

In a pointed example, Chernetsky discussed South Korea's decision to exit the Russian car market, which was subsequently dominated by Chinese carmakers.

"Korean automakers like Hyundai and Kia once held 70 percent of the Russian market. After Korea's exit, Chinese cars took over. Who benefited from this? Certainly not Korea," he said. "The Korean car industry lost a major market while China gained it. South Korea has yet to find a substitute market of similar scale."

Despite these challenges, Chernetsky emphasized that sanctions have not obstructed the development of South Korea-Belarus relations.

"Even amid global political and economic difficulties, we are seeing an increase in trade turnover between our countries. Belarusian exports to South Korea, including timber products and chemical fibers, are in high demand," he said.

He cited a rise in South Korean exports to Belarus, which increased 1.5-fold in 2023.

"We do not buy sanctioned goods from Korea, such as road-making machinery, as we have our own production. This has actually expanded our market in Russia, which previously relied on South Korean machinery, a benefit to us."

South Korea imposed sanctions on Belarus on March 6, 2022, in response to Belarus's support for Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced new export controls, banning shipments of 682 items potentially usable for military purposes to both Russia and Belarus.

Chernetsky also pointed out the inconsistency in South Korea's sanctions policy, noting that while Belarus faces sanctions due to its alliance with Russia, other close allies of South Korea, like Germany and Poland, do not face similar measures despite engaging with North Korea.

"When President Putin signed a military agreement with North Korea, South Korea imposed sanctions on Russia and, by extension, Belarus. We haven't signed any agreement with North Korea and don't have an embassy in North Korea," he said. "Yet, countries like Germany and Vietnam have interacted with North Korea without facing South Korean sanctions. This approach seems unfair and not fully thought out."

The ambassador reiterated that sanctions have not changed Belarus' policies or hindered its international trade.

"We continue to trade successfully with countries like Russia, China, India and Brazil. Sanctions from some European countries have little impact on us," he said. "In fact, Belarusian goods are still being purchased in Europe due to their quality and cost-effectiveness."

Chernetsky concluded by stressing the importance of maintaining trade relations with South Korea.

"Despite the challenges, we are committed to supporting and enhancing our trade relations with South Korea. The sanctions, while problematic, are not an insurmountable obstacle," he said.