Ukraine's government has made a bold move to terminate a free trade agreement with Belarus, a key supporter of Russia's invasion of Ukraine that began in February 2022. Taras Melnychuk, a cabinet minister, announced the proposal on Monday, citing the "illegal use of force against Ukraine" by Belarus as the reason for the termination. The free trade agreement, which dates back to December 1992, as well as two related protocols, are now facing cancellation in response to Belarus's involvement in the conflict.

Ukraine had previously suspended its trade relations with Minsk following Russia's invasion. According to Ukrainian law, the termination of interstate agreements must be approved by parliament. The government's decision comes after almost two years of no trade between Ukraine and Belarus and Russia, as stated by Deputy Minister Taras Kachka. The Ukrainian government also extended the ban on trade with Russia until the end of January 2024.

This move, according to Deputy Minister Kachka, aims to "harmonise the contractual and legal framework with reality" and legally secure the de facto termination of trade relations with Russia. These decisions reflect the Ukrainian government's efforts to align its trade policies with the ongoing conflict and its commitment to standing up against aggression and illegal use of force.