Torres – along with representatives Steve Cohen, Bonnie Watson Coleman, Jake Auchincloss, Jim Costa and Andre Carson – sent a letter to the CEOs of the credit card giants on Wednesday, accusing them of complicity in the war. “Belarus’s role in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is clear,” the letter said, referring exclusively to the Post. “American and Ukrainian officials claim that the Belarusian leadership has allowed Belarus to serve as one of the stages in Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine. In addition, wounded Russian soldiers have been taken to hospitals in Belarus. “Belarus is as much to blame as Russia is for this war.” Mastercard and Visa, like many other large companies, suspended their business with Russia in early March – but the two have not yet taken action against Belarus, whose dictator, Alexander Lukashenko, is known as a supporter of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Putin. Bronx spokesman Ritchie Torres was one of the signatories of the letter. Robert Miller President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko is considered a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin. EPA / MIKHAIL KLIMENTYEV “This is a good first step, but we believe more needs to be done,” wrote the pols, who are seeking a formal response from both companies by April 20. “On March 6, American Express announced that it would suspend operations in Russia and Belarus.” Earlier this month, the House of Representatives almost unanimously passed legislation to suspend normal trade relations with Russia and Belarus. Lawmakers insisted in their letter that “the private sector can also play an important role in tackling the role of the bad guys in this unjustified war.” The United States has also renewed sanctions against Lukashenko and extended them to include his family. Foreign Minister Anthony Blinken criticizes the “support and facilitation of the invasion of the Russian Federation” of the powerful man of Eastern Europe. Both Visa and Mastercard have suspended operations in Russia but not in Belarus. Getty Images “Russia’s unprovoked and unjust invasion of Ukraine is one of the most serious international crises in recent history,” the letter said. “We strongly believe and urge you to consider suspending your services in Belarus.” Visa and Mastercard did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
