Russians abroad losing consular services access — Belarusians already know what follows

In the summer of 2026, Russian authorities banned any consular services, including passport renewals, for Russians abroad who have been convicted in absentia. The ban covers anyone convicted under any article of the Criminal Code, as well as those fined for "discrediting the army," failing to register as a "foreign agent," or cooperating with an "undesirable organization." Many now face a stark choice: return to Russia to serve a sentence, or remain abroad without a valid passport, since renewal is no longer possible. The measure has already been nicknamed the "citizenship-stripping" law.

Belarusians have lived this for years

Belarusian citizens who left the country have faced a comparable situation for three years. In 2023, Alexander Lukashenko barred them from obtaining passports at embassies and consulates. Meduza spoke with several Belarusians about life without a valid passport.

Sergei, 38, who lives in Gdansk, Poland, said his passport expired at the end of 2023. Returning to Belarus risks detention, so he has avoided it. His residence permit helped, but it recently expired, and a new one can take two to three years to process. Without a passport, he has run into problems renting a car, arranging a mortgage, and getting power of attorney to sell property in Belarus.

Dmitry, 46, in France, said his passport expired in April 2025, but a 10-year residence permit has spared him major daily problems — the main limitation is being unable to travel freely by plane.

Nikolai, 35, in Poland has waited nine months without a response for a travel document, and his bank accounts were blocked once his passport expired since banks require one. Viktor, 52, living in Kharkiv, Ukraine, faces the hardest situation — without a valid passport or residence permit he cannot legalize his status, while returning to Belarus could be dangerous given that his brother is fighting for Ukraine.