U.S. MOVES TO UNFREEZE $44 MILLION FOR LUKASHENKO’S BELARUS
September 15, 2026
The United States is working on a mechanism to release approximately $44 million in Belarusian funds blocked at Citibank following negotiations between Alexander Lukashenko and U.S. presidential envoy John Coale.
The money has not yet been released. Lukashenko claims it came from a company conducting business with Belarus, but the precise owner, intended recipient and conditions governing its use have not been publicly clarified.
There is currently no evidence that these particular funds will be transferred directly to Russia’s military. Nevertheless, the concern cannot simply be dismissed. Belarus has provided Russia with territory, logistical access, military infrastructure and industrial support throughout the invasion of Ukraine.
Money is also fungible. Even if the returned funds are officially designated for civilian or commercial purposes, restoring $44 million to the Belarusian state or a regime-connected company could free other resources for defense spending or continued support of Russia.
Washington’s negotiations have helped secure the release of hundreds of political prisoners, giving the engagement a legitimate humanitarian purpose. However, more than 900 political prisoners reportedly remain behind bars, while repression and Belarusian assistance to Russia continue.
Any release of funds should therefore be transparent, conditional and accompanied by enforceable safeguards. Lukashenko should not be permitted to exchange selected prisoners for unrestricted financial relief while continuing to imprison opponents and support Russia’s war.