PoliticsRussians abroad are losing access to passport renewals and other consular services. Belarusians know what comes next.

In summer 2026, Russia barred people convicted in absentia, along with some recipients of administrative penalties, from consular services abroad. Many may now have to choose between returning to Russia to serve a sentence and remaining overseas without a renewable passport. Belarusians have faced a similar policy since Alexander Lukashenko restricted passport issuance at embassies and consulates in 2023.

RussiaBelaruspassportsconsular services

MMeduza★★★☆☆2026-09-10 09:51Original