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# Belarus

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Learn More								U.S. Relationship																									These are excerpts from the U.S. Relations With Belarus																			-  												U.S.-Belarus Relations											 
-  												U.S. Assistance to Belarus											 
-  												Bilateral Economic Relations											 
													U.S.-Belarus Relations													The United States supports a sovereign, independent Belarus which respects the rights and voices of the Belarusian people. On December 25, 1991, the United States recognized the independence of the Republic of Belarus, and on December 28, 1991, Belarus and the United States established diplomatic relations. On January 31, 1992, the U.S. Embassy was officially opened in Minsk. The embassyThe United States supports a sovereign, independent Belarus which respects the rights and voices of the Belarusian people. On December 25, 1991, the United States recognized the independence of the Republic of Belarus, and on December 28, 1991, Belarus and the United States established diplomatic relations. On January 31, 1992, the U.S. Embassy was officially opened in Minsk. The embassy of Belarus was opened in Washington in 1993. Alyaksandr Lukashenka came to power through a presidential election in Belarus in 1994 that was generally considered to be free and fair, but since that time, he has consolidated authoritarian control of the country through extensive repression and corrupt practices. Collapse U.S.-Belarus Relations															Read more about U.S.-Belarus Relations																												U.S. Assistance to Belarus													U.S. assistance to Belarus focuses on promoting democratic principles and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, including by supporting independent media and capacity-building for civil society organizations. Since 1992, the U.S. government has provided over $1 billion in foreign assistance to Belarus. Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, the U.S. government has provided over $2 million in COVID-related assistance.													Bilateral Economic Relations													Belarusian authorities have been reluctant to undertake systemic economic reforms necessary to create a market-based economy. The state sector accounts for half of all employment, and 60-70 percent 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 business.Integrated Country Strategies
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View Investment Climate StatementsDiscover More2022 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices2022 Report on International Religious Freedom2023 Trafficking in Persons Report
View all Department Reports and Publications
HighlightsFebruary 25, 2024
Condemning Sham Parliamentary and Local Elections in Belarus
February 9, 2024
Minsk, Belarus: QSI International School of Minsk: 2024 Special Needs Profile
January 25, 2024
Condemnation of the Lukashenka Regime’s Raids on Former Political Prisoners
December 8, 2023
First Strategic Dialogue between the United States and the Belarusian Democratic Movement and Civil Society
December 7, 2023
Secretary Antony J. Blinken at the Anti-Corruption Champions Award Ceremony
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