Tag Archives: Belarus

@StateDept Issues Guidance For Ukraine Land Border Crossings

March 3, 2022 By in Americans Abroad, Consular Work, EUR|Europe, Hotspots, Refugees, State Department, U.S. Missions Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

 

On March 1, the State Department issued new guidance on land border crossings for U.S. citizens departing Ukraine.

U.S. citizens wishing to depart Ukraine by land have several options, listed below. We understand that most border crossings into Poland and all main crossing points into Moldova are severely backed up and some are experiencing extremely long wait times (well over 30 hours in some cases). We recommend that, if possible, U.S. citizens consider redirecting to border crossings with Hungary, Romania, and Slovakia, which are currently experiencing lower wait times to cross.

Note that conditions at each border can change very quickly and wait times can increase at any time without warning. Be prepared to wait for many hours to cross:

    • Have extra batteries and power banks for your mobile phones.
    • Bring enough food and water for at least two days.
    • Stock up on diapers and baby food, if applicable.
    • Bring blankets, sleeping bags, warm clothes.
    • Ensure enough pet food if you are with your pet.
    • Bring hard copies of important documents (birth certificates, passports [even if expired], any other identification) and don’t rely on cell phones and computer batteries.
    • Book accommodations prior to arrival, as many hotels near the borders are already booked.

Local authorities in Romania, Poland, and Moldova have reception centers immediately beyond most border crossings, where you can find food, temporary lodging, clothes, and transportation to the next bigger town.

Specific info on entering neighboring countries from Ukraine

Read more here.

US EMBASSY POLAND

US EMBASSY ROMANIA

US EMBASSY HUNGARY

US EMBASSY SLOVAKIA

###

 

@StateDept Suspends Operations at the US Embassy in Minsk, Belarus

March 1, 2022 By in EUR|Europe, Foreign Service, Hotspots, Realities of the FS, State Department, Trends, U.S. Missions Tags: , , , ,

 

On February 28, 2022, the State Department announced the suspension of operations at the US Embassy in Minsk, Belarus:

The U.S. Department of State has suspended operations at our Embassy in Minsk, Belarus and authorized the voluntary departure (“authorized departure”) of non-emergency employees and family members at our Embassy in Moscow, Russia. We took these steps due to security and safety issues stemming from the unprovoked and unjustified attack by Russian military forces in Ukraine. The Department of State continually adjusts its posture at embassies and consulates throughout the world in line with its mission, the local security environment, and the health situation. We ultimately have no higher priority than the safety and security of U.S. citizens, and that includes our U.S. government personnel and their dependents serving around the world.

###

US Embassy Minsk Now on Ordered Departure For USG Family Members

February 2, 2022 By in Ambassadors, Americans Abroad, EUR|Europe, Evacuations, Hotspots, Realities of the FS, Special Envoys and Reps, Staffing the FS, State Department, Trends, U.S. Missions Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

 

On January 31, the State Department issued a Level 4-Do Not Travel advisory for Belarus. It also announced the “ordered departure” of family members of USG employees from Belarus. Ordered departure is a mandatory evacuation order. Excerpt below:

Do not Travel to Belarus due to the arbitrary enforcement of laws, the risk of detention, and unusual and concerning Russian military buildup along Belarus’ border with Ukraine. Reconsider travel due to COVID-19 and related entry restrictions.

On January 31, 2022, the Department of State ordered the departure of family members of U.S. government employees.

Due to an increase in unusual and concerning Russian military activity near the border with Ukraine, U.S. citizens located in or considering travel to Belarus should be aware that the situation is unpredictable and there is heightened tension in the region. On January 23, 2022, the Department of State also authorized the voluntary departure of U.S. direct hire employees (USDH) and ordered the departure of eligible family members (EFM) from Embassy Kyiv due to the continued threat of Russian military action. Potential harassment targeted specifically at foreigners is also possible.  Given the heightened volatility of the situation, U.S. citizens are strongly advised against traveling to Belarus.

The U.S. government’s ability to provide routine or emergency services to U.S. citizens in Belarus is already severely limited  due to Belarusian government limitations on U.S. Embassy staffing.

Read the full announcement here.
In June 2021, the Belarus Foreign Ministry summoned the Charge d’Affaires at the US Embassy in Minsk and informed him of retaliatory measures against the United States. The measures included the reduction of the diplomatic and administrative-technical personnel of the American diplomatic mission, the tightening of visa procedures, the limitation of the work of American specialists in Belarus on a temporary basis. The government also revoked the work permit for USAID.
In 2008, the Belarusian Government imposed restrictions on the number of U.S. diplomats allowed in Minsk, and the State Department was forced to reduce its embassy staff from 35 to five diplomats as well as withdraw the U.S. Ambassador. The number of U.S. diplomats was later increased to six in July 2014. The current CDA Ruben Harutunian assumed his duties as deputy chief of mission at the U.S. Embassy in Minsk on May 24, 2021.
In April 2020, with improved relations with the dictator in Belarus, the Trump Administration announced the nomination of  career diplomat Julie Fisher as the first U.S. Ambassador to Minsk since 2008. She was confirmed in December 2020.  It April 2021, Ambassador Fischer was reported to temporarily reside in Lithuania as she was not granted a visa to travel to Minsk. Her official bio at US Embassy Minsk says she was refused a visa by the Belarus authorities, and she relocated to Lithuania in October 2021. She currently holds the title of U.S. Special Envoy for Belarus, a position with ambassadorial rank.

Related posts:

US Embassy Minsk Issues Security Alert in Belarus

January 25, 2022 By in Americans Abroad, Consular Work, EUR|Europe, Hotspots, Security, Trends, U.S. Missions Tags: , , , , , ,

 

On January 23, the U.S. Embassy in Minsk issued a Security Alert reminding U.S. citizens to exercise increased awareness and vigilance regarding political and military tensions in the region.   The alert notes of concerning reports of further unusual Russian military activity near Ukraine’s borders, including the border with Belarus.  U.S. citizens are advised to avoid public demonstrations and to regularly reevaluate possible departure plans in the event of an emergency. Read in full below:

####

Belarus Opposition Leader Sviatlana @Tsihanouskaya Visits WashDC

July 20, 2021 By in EUR|Europe, Hotspots, Social Media, State Department, U.S. Missions Tags: , , ,
Thank you to over 500 readers and supporters who made our continued operation possible this year. Raising funds for a small outlet that is already open and free for all to read has often been the most challenging part of running  this blog. We are grateful for your continued support and well wishes.  — DS

 

###

Belarus Kicks Out US Diplomats With New Limits in US Embassy Minsk Staffing

June 17, 2021 By in chargé d’affaires, DCM, EUR|Europe, Foreign Service, Hotspots, Realities of the FS, State Department, U.S. Missions, USAID Tags: , , , ,
13 Going on 14 — GFM: https://gofund.me/32671a27

 

According to the June 3 statement from the Belarus Foreign Ministry, the government summoned the Charge d’Affaires at the US Embassy in Minsk and informed him of retaliatory measures against the United States. The measures include the reduction of the diplomatic and administrative-technical personnel of the American diplomatic mission, the tightening of visa procedures, the limitation of the work of American specialists in Belarus on a temporary basis. The government also revoked the work permit for the US Agency for International Development.
In 2008, the Belarusian Government imposed restrictions on the number of U.S. diplomats allowed in Minsk, and the State Department was forced to reduce its embassy staff from 35 to five diplomats as well as withdraw the U.S. Ambassador. The number of U.S. diplomats was later increased to six in July 2014. We are not sure how many were at post prior to this latest development. The current CDA Ruben Harutunian assumed his duties as deputy chief of mission at the U.S. Embassy in Minsk on May 24, 2021.
In April 2020, with improved relations with the dictator in Belarus, the Trump Administration announced the nomination of  career diplomat Julie Fisher as the first U.S. Ambassador to Minsk since 2008. She was confirmed in December 2020. In April this year, the new ambassador was reportedly to reside in Lithuania temporarily as she was not granted a visa for Belarus.

Related posts:

U.S. Ambassador to Belarus Julie Fisher to Temporarily Reside in Lithuania

April 23, 2021 By in Ambassadors, EUR|Europe, Foreign Service, State Department, Trends, U.S. Missions Tags: , , , ,
We are starting Week #6 of our eight-week annual fundraising. Our previous funding ran out in August 2020.  If you think what we do here is useful, we could use your help. Please see GFM: https://gofund.me/32671a27

 

LRT News citing Lithuanian Deputy Foreign Minister Mantas Adomėnas reports that the new U.S. Ambassador to Belarus Julie Fisher will temporarily reside in Lithuania as she does not have a visa to travel to Minsk. The United States has reportedly asked the Lithuanian government for accreditation for Ambassador Fisher.  The local medial outlet notes that the US embassy to Lithuania confirmed to BNS that Belarus had not yet issued a visa to Ambassador Fisher, but did not comment on her temporary residence in Vilnius.

 

Related posts:

Detained Ex-Campaign Staffer and Diplomatic Spouse Vitali Shkliarov Leaves Belarus

October 28, 2020 By in Americans Abroad, EUR|Europe, Foreign Service, Mike Pompeo, Politics, Pompeo, Realities of the FS, Spouses, State Department, U.S. Missions Tags: , , , , , , ,

 

UK does not accept results of fraudulent Presidential election in Belarus, and US says what?

August 17, 2020 By in EUR|Europe, Foreign Affairs, Hotspots, Mike Pompeo, Pompeo, Protests, Secretary of State, Spectacular, State Department, U.S. Missions, UK-FCO Tags: , , , ,

 

Belarus’ Lukashenko in Power Since 1994 Claims Landslide Election Victory, Spawns Widespread Protests

August 10, 2020 By in Elections, EUR|Europe, Foreign Affairs, Hotspots, Mike Pompeo, Pompeo, Protests, Realities of the FS, Secretary of State, Spouses, State Department, Top Ranks, Trends, U.S. Missions Tags: , , , ,