Us-Belarus Relations: A Complex Dynamic Explored

The United States and Belarus established diplomatic relations on 28 December 1991, following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. The US recognised the independence of the Republic of Belarus on 25 December 1991. The US Embassy in Minsk was officially opened on 31 January 1992, and the Belarusian Embassy in Washington, D.C. followed in 1993. However, the relationship between the two countries has been strained due to accusations of human rights violations and interference in internal affairs. The US has imposed sanctions on Belarus, and the countries have exchanged diplomatic expulsions. In recent years, there have been efforts to normalise relations, with the US providing foreign assistance and the countries agreeing to restore diplomatic presence at the ambassadorial level. However, the 2020 Belarusian presidential election, which was criticised by the US, led to a deterioration in relations, with the US imposing additional sanctions.

The US recognised Belarus' independence in 1991

Interstate relations between the United States and Belarus began in 1991, following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, of which Belarus had been a part. On 25 December 1991, the United States recognised the independence of the Republic of Belarus, and three days later, on 28 December, diplomatic relations were established.

The US recognition of Belarus' independence in 1991 set the stage for the formalisation of relations between the two countries. This recognition paved the way for the opening of embassies and the initiation of political, economic, and humanitarian cooperation. The US Embassy in Minsk was officially opened on 31 January 1992, with John Ford serving as Chargé d'Affaires ad interim. The following year, in 1993, the embassy of Belarus was established in Washington, DC.

The establishment of diplomatic ties between the US and Belarus in the early 1990s marked a significant shift in their relationship. This period witnessed the exchange of high-level visits, including US President Bill Clinton's historic six-hour state visit to Minsk on 15 January 1994. Clinton's visit was a gesture of gratitude for Belarus' agreement to transfer its Soviet nuclear stockpile to Russia. During his visit, Clinton laid a wreath on Victory Square and interacted with youth at the Academy of Sciences. He also visited Kurapaty, a wooded area where numerous people were executed during the Great Purge by the NKVD.

The recognition of Belarus' independence by the US in 1991 laid the foundation for future engagement and cooperation between the two nations. However, the relationship has also been marked by periods of tension and disagreement, particularly regarding human rights issues and allegations of interference in internal affairs. Despite these challenges, the US has continued to support a sovereign and independent Belarus, advocating for the respect of the rights and voices of the Belarusian people.

Diplomatic relations were established in 1991, with embassies opening in 1992 and 1993

The United States and Belarus established diplomatic relations on December 25, 1991, following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. The US recognised the independence of the Republic of Belarus, and the two countries set about opening embassies. The US Embassy in Minsk was the first to open on January 31, 1992, with John Ford as Chargé d'Affaires ad interim. The first US Ambassador to Belarus, David H. Swartz, officially assumed his post on August 25, 1992, the first anniversary of Belarusian independence.

The Belarusian Embassy in Washington, D.C. opened its doors in 1993. The opening of these embassies marked a significant step in the development of relations between the two countries. The US had recognised the independence of Belarus from the Soviet Union, and the opening of embassies allowed for the formalisation of diplomatic ties and the establishment of official channels of communication and cooperation.

The early years of the diplomatic relationship were marked by top-level official visits. Stanislav Shushkevich, then Chairman of the Supreme Soviet of the Republic of Belarus, met with President Clinton in Washington in July 1993. President Clinton then visited Belarus on January 15, 1994, in a visit considered to be a "thank you" for Belarus agreeing to transfer its Soviet nuclear stockpile to Russia.

Despite these positive beginnings, the relationship between the US and Belarus has been strained by accusations of human rights violations and interference in internal affairs. In 1996, President Lukashenko temporarily expelled Western ambassadors after a referendum that dissolved the parliament and expanded the presidency's authority. In 2008, Belarus recalled its ambassador from Washington and demanded the US ambassador leave Minsk, reducing the number of US diplomats in the country. These actions were in response to tightening US sanctions due to worsening human rights abuses in Belarus.

The US imposed sanctions on Belarus in 2006 and 2008, and Belarus expelled US diplomats

The United States supports a sovereign and independent Belarus that respects the rights and voices of its people. However, the relationship between the two countries has been strained over the years, with the US imposing sanctions on Belarus multiple times and Belarus expelling US diplomats.

The US first recognised the independence of Belarus on 25 December 1991, and diplomatic relations were established on 28 December 1991. The US Embassy in Minsk was opened on 31 January 1992, and the embassy of Belarus in Washington, D.C. followed in 1993.

In 1994, Alyaksandr Lukashenka came to power through a generally free and fair election. However, he has since consolidated authoritarian control of the country through extensive repression and corrupt practices. In 1996, Lukashenka temporarily expelled the US and EU ambassadors in response to Western criticism of a referendum that dissolved parliament and expanded the powers of the presidency.

In 2006, the US imposed travel restrictions and targeted financial sanctions on nine Belarusian state-owned entities and 16 individuals, including Lukashenka. This came after a presidential election in Belarus that was neither free nor fair. In 2008, the US tightened these sanctions due to worsening human rights abuses in Belarus, leading to the expulsion of the US ambassador and 30 out of 35 US diplomats from the country.

Despite a brief thaw in relations in 2015, when the US provided limited sanctions relief after Lukashenka released Belarus' last political prisoners, tensions rose again after the disputed presidential election in August 2020. Lukashenka claimed victory over the popular opposition candidate, Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya, amid reports of significant election irregularities. This sparked mass protests across Belarus, which were met with violent repression, including thousands of arrests and reports of torture. As a result, the US imposed additional sanctions and visa restrictions on individuals implicated in the election and the subsequent crackdown on civil society.

The US has provided over $1 billion in foreign assistance to Belarus since 1992

The United States has provided over $1 billion in foreign assistance to Belarus since 1992. This aid has focused on promoting democratic principles, respect for human rights, and fundamental freedoms. The US has supported independent media and capacity-building for civil society organisations. Additionally, since the COVID-19 pandemic, the US has provided over $2 million in COVID-related assistance.

The US-Belarus relationship began in 1991 with the dissolution of the Soviet Union, of which Belarus had been a part. The US recognised the independence of Belarus on 25 December 1991, and three days later, on 28 December, the two countries established diplomatic relations. The US Embassy in Minsk was officially opened on 31 January 1992, with Ambassador David H. Swartz assuming his post on 25 August 1992, the first anniversary of Belarusian independence. The US Embassy in Belarus has since been temporarily closed as of 28 February 2022, due to intelligence suggesting Belarus was preparing to join Russia in invading Ukraine.

The US-Belarus relationship has been strained at times due to accusations of human rights violations and interference in internal affairs. In 2008, Belarus expelled the US Ambassador and insisted that the US Ambassador must leave Minsk. Sanctions were imposed on Belarus in 2006, and tightened in 2008, due to worsening human rights abuses. However, in 2015, some sanctions were lifted after marginally freer parliamentary elections and the release of political prisoners.

Despite the tensions, the US and Belarus have continued to engage diplomatically. In 2019, National Security Advisor John Bolton met with President Alexander Lukashenko in Minsk to discuss improving relations. In February 2020, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo visited Belarus, offering American aid after Russia cut off energy supplies. The two countries agreed to exchange ambassadors, with Julie Fisher confirmed as the first US Ambassador to Belarus since 2008.

In summary, while the US-Belarus relationship has been marked by periods of tension and rapprochement, the US has provided significant foreign assistance to Belarus, totalling over $1 billion since 1992. This aid has focused on promoting democracy, human rights, and civil society development.

The US has encouraged Belarus to conclude agreements with the IMF and to increase privatisation

The United States has encouraged Belarus to conclude agreements with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and to increase privatisation. The US has also pushed for Belarus to create a more favourable business and investment climate. This encouragement comes as the US seeks to promote democratic principles and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms in Belarus.

An Overseas Private Investment Corporation agreement was signed in June 1992 but has been suspended since 1995 because Belarus did not fulfil its obligations under the agreement. Belarus is eligible for Export-Import Bank short-term financing insurance for US investments, but due to the adverse business climate, no projects have been initiated. The US has provided small but consistent aid to partners in Belarus, including to civil society, for business and technology-sector development, and to vulnerable groups. Since 1992, the US government has provided over $1 billion in foreign assistance to Belarus, including over $2 million in COVID-related assistance since the pandemic began.

The US has also urged Belarus to undertake systemic economic reforms to create a market-based economy. However, the Belarusian authorities have been reluctant to implement these reforms, with the state sector accounting for half of all employment and 60-70% of GDP. Belarus' opaque legal and regulatory systems, and rule of law deficiencies, create a challenging business environment. Since August 2020, the Belarusian authorities have increased pressure on private businesses.

The US has a history of imposing sanctions on Belarus in response to human rights abuses and undemocratic practices. After the 2006 Belarusian presidential election, which was neither free nor fair, the US implemented travel restrictions and targeted financial sanctions on nine state-owned entities and 16 individuals, including President Alexander Lukashenko. In 2008, the US tightened sanctions due to worsening human rights abuses, leading Belarus to expel the US ambassador along with 30 out of 35 US diplomats. In response to the fraudulent August 9, 2020, presidential election, the US imposed additional sanctions and visa restrictions on various actors implicated in the disputed election and the related crackdown on civil society.

Despite the tensions, the US and Belarus have maintained diplomatic relations and continued dialogue on various issues. In 2020, the US provided $19.2 million in foreign gratuitous assistance to Belarus, becoming the leader among donor countries. The two countries have also cooperated in the fight against international terrorism, organised crime, and illicit drug trafficking.

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