European Union Hits Belarus With New Sanctions

The transcript discusses a state-sponsored hijacking of a Ryanair flight by Belarus, leading to the arrest of opposition journalist Roman Protasevich and his girlfriend. The EU responded by banning Belarusian airlines and imposing sanctions. The US condemned the act as a threat to international peace. The incident raises questions about future diplomatic relations, particularly with Russia, Belarus's ally.

How did the US respond to the incident involving the flight?

What was the apparent purpose of diverting the flight?