US Issues Urgent Warning for Its Citizens to Leave Belarus Amid Rising Safety Risks

On December 18, the US Department of State has issued an urgent warning for its citizens to leave Belarus immediately, citing escalating risks that make the country unsafe for foreign nationals.

Key concerns include the arbitrary enforcement of laws, with authorities detaining thousands, including foreigners, for suspected ties to the opposition or participation in protests. The risk is further heightened by Belarus's deepening cooperation with Russia, as the country actively supports Moscow’s war against Ukraine.

The State Department warns of potential arrests related to information found on personal electronic devices, including content created or stored outside Belarus. Political instability and the risk of unrest heighten concerns, with peaceful protests frequently met with violent crackdowns.

“Approximately 1,300 prisoners are currently jailed for politically-related acts that may not be considered crimes in the United States. The Belarusian government has denied prisoners access to their Embassy and lawyers, restricted communication with family outside prisons, and limited access to information,” the statement reads.

“Conditions in Belarusian detention facilities are extremely poor. US citizens in the vicinity of demonstrations have been arrested. Some have been victims of harassment and/or mistreatment by Belarusian officials.”

For those still in Belarus, officials advise avoiding mass gatherings, limiting social media activity, and reassessing the use of electronic devices. Citizens are also urged to have an emergency action plan and register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program for rapid communication during emergencies.

The advisory underscores the possibility of additional border closures with Lithuania, Poland, Latvia, and Ukraine, intensifying the urgency for US citizens to leave immediately.

Since February 2022, the US Embassy in Minsk has suspended all operations, requiring Americans in Belarus to seek assistance from US embassies in neighboring countries.

Previously on December 6, Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko requested Vladimir Putin to deploy the Oreshnik missile system in Belarus during a meeting in Minsk. At the same meeting, Putin and Lukashenko signed an agreement finalizing the deployment of Russian tactical nuclear arms in Belarus.