EU leaders agree new sanctions against Belarus after 'unacceptable hijacking' of Ryanair flight

Strongly condemning the act, EU leaders called for the immediate release of journalist Raman Pratasevich and his girlfriend Sofia Sapega. Picture: Euroradio via AP

European leaders have agreed to impose new sanctions against Belarus, its aviation sector and business propping up the Lukashenko regime following the forced landing of a Ryanair flight and detention of journalist Raman Pratasevich.

The EU Council has also called on all EU-based airlines to avoid flying over Belarus.