Belarus faces imminent sanctions as pressure mounts on Lukashenko

FILE PHOTO: Belarusian law enforcement members stand guard during an opposition protest following the inauguration of President Alexander Lukashenko in Minsk, Belarus September 23, 2020. BelaPAN via REUTERS

WASHINGTON/BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The United States, Britain and Canada may impose sanctions on Belarus as early as Friday, four sources told Reuters, and the European Union told President Alexander Lukashenko it did not recognise him as the country's legitimate leader.

Diplomatic pressure on Lukashenko mounted a day after he had himself sworn in for a sixth term at an inauguration ceremony that was kept secret until after it was completed.