US citizens advised to evacuate Belarus immediately

The Biden administration warns U.S. citizens in Belarus to leave immediately due to security concerns and the presence of Russian forces.

The Biden administration is calling on U.S. citizens in Belarus to leave the country immediately and advising against travel there. This warning comes as neighboring countries Lithuania, Latvia, and Poland have heightened security along the border due to concerns about Russian Wagner mercenary forces taking refuge in Belarus.

In its statement, the State Department strongly encourages Americans still in Belarus to depart as soon as possible and classifies the country as a Level 4 risk, indicating the highest level of security warning.

Belarus's long-standing leader, Alexander Lukashenko, often referred to as Europe's last dictator, has played a significant role in supporting Russian President Vladimir Putin's actions in Ukraine. Lukashenko is currently subject to numerous U.S. sanctions for human rights violations and political oppression against the Belarusian people, particularly those who challenged his claim of victory in the 2020 election.

The U.S. mission in Belarus has been significantly reduced and now focuses solely on providing emergency services to American citizens.

Lukashenko's decision to welcome Wagner forces, in a deal with Putin that ended their brief rebellion against the Kremlin, has raised concerns among NATO-member countries along Belarus's border.

The State Department's warning emphasizes the reasons for avoiding travel to Belarus, including the country's facilitation of Russia's unprovoked attack on Ukraine, the presence of Russian military forces in Belarus, the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, the potential for civil unrest, the risk of detention, and the limited ability of the U.S. Embassy to assist American citizens in Belarus.

Recently, Lithuania closed two of its six border crossings with Belarus. The State Department advises Americans to utilize the remaining open crossings, but also cautions that the Polish, Lithuanian, and Latvian governments have indicated the possibility of further border closures with Belarus.

Poland currently has one open border crossing with Belarus, while Latvia has two.

Both Poland and Latvia have increased their military presence at their respective borders with Belarus. They also accuse Lukashenko of exploiting migrants from Middle Eastern countries by bringing them to Belarus and facilitating their illegal entry into neighboring countries.