Belarus Democracy, Human Rights, and Sovereignty Act of 2025

This bill renews and updates U.S. law to support the people of Belarus. It expands help for independent news and a free internet, community groups, political parties, and Belarusian culture, including support for people in exile and for documenting human rights abuses. A key goal is to push Belarus to stop backing Russia’s war in Ukraine.

It also tightens sanctions on Belarusian leaders and others who rig elections, silence the press, persecute people of faith, or help Russia’s war. This includes those involved in abducting and deporting Ukrainian children, as well as certain Russians who helped run pro-government media. Sanctions freeze assets and block money and deals in the U.S., with clear exceptions for food, medicine, and other humanitarian aid. Current sanctions stay in place until there is real progress, like pulling Russian forces out of Belarus and returning abducted children. The bill urges more work with U.S. allies and more support for independent outlets to share accurate facts about the war and the regime’s role.

• Who is affected: Belarusian officials, security services, and election commissioners tied to abuses; certain Russian individuals aiding repression; independent media and NGOs; Belarusians in exile and refugees; and people in the U.S. who must avoid banned dealings with sanctioned persons.
• What changes: More support for media, internet freedom, civil society, and documenting abuses; a new report due within 90 days on Belarus’s role in Russia’s war (including nuclear forces, Wagner, child abductions, weapons purchases, and sanctions evasion); continued work with allies to halt Belarus’s support for the war; and funding authorized for fiscal years 2026 and 2027.
• When: The 90‑day report starts after the bill becomes law; funding applies to FY 2026 and FY 2027; sanctions remain until specific conditions are met.