TALLINN, Estonia – Rights groups, activists, and independent media in Russia and Belarus have long operated under strict government scrutiny, oppressive laws, and forced exile. Despite these challenges, many have managed to survive by relying on international aid, including significant support from the United States. However, recent developments have introduced a new hurdle—the decision by the U.S. government, under President Trump, to freeze aid for 90 days.
This aid, previously channeled through bodies like the U.S. Agency for International Development and other U.S. government-funded entities, was a vital source of funding for these organizations. According to an anonymous activist from Center-T, a notable Russian trans group, this suspension is particularly detrimental. “Organizations could have achieved far more significant milestones without this situation,” they lamented.
Various Russian and Belarusian organizations have felt the impact differently, describing the situation from 'bad' to 'unpleasant.' While many secure funds through private donations or alternative sources, uncertainty looms over their futures, especially as it remains unclear which partners might withdraw support due to their reliance on U.S. aid.
For instance, OVD-Info, a Russian organization tracking political arrests and providing legal aid, relies primarily on private donations. Despite this, spokesperson Dmitry Anisimov acknowledges, “Certain activities might be compromised as partner organizations are affected.” This concern extends to those individuals who rely on their services.
In light of these challenges, some organizations have turned to creative solutions such as crowdfunding. An editor from an independent Russian news outlet mentioned they face less than a 10% budget cut due to the frozen grants. Yet, they emphasized their determination to continue operations without imminent layoffs.
In contrast, Center-T, whose core team relocated overseas after being labeled extremist by Russian courts, cited minimal financial impact from the aid suspension. “We are fortunate since U.S. funding wasn’t a primary resource for us,” shared a staff member.
Yet not all have been so fortunate. Kovcheg, an organization supporting Russians abroad with shelter and legal aid, reported losing 30% of its budget. Founder Anastasia Burakova expressed concerns over halted projects but noted a reliance on crowdfunding to maintain stability.
A larger issue is the 'foreign agent' designation that severely hampers Russian rights groups and media outlets by deterring donors and restricting advertising. Consequently, many groups have been forced to operate abroad to evade the tightening authoritarian grip since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Amid these tightening constraints, prominent figures like exiled tycoon Mikhail Khodorkovsky and philanthropist Boris Zimin have stepped up, offering significant financial aid to mitigate the current funding shortfall. While their contributions are invaluable, they fall short of replacing the frozen U.S. aid. “They are crucial projects, particularly in media. It is a responsibility to support them, even temporarily,” Zimin stated.
For pro-democracy forces in Belarus, the aid freeze represents a severe blow, as U.S. contributions accounted for more than half of their Western funding, approximately $30 million. Many NGOs and media organizations are on the brink of closure, jeopardizing civil society and independent news outlets forced into exile after President Alexander Lukashenko’s severe crackdowns.
As reported by the Belarusian opposition, $1.7 million of U.S. aid is now frozen, disproportionately affecting small media outlets, some of which have already begun reducing staff. One YouTube show announced it might cease operations but seeks community support to continue delivering valuable content.
Without these groups, state propaganda risks filling the void, strengthening authoritarian narratives in Belarus and Russia. “Closing independent media cripples any return—media differs from other types of organizations benefiting from U.S. aid,” explained a Belarusian activist who chose to remain nameless due to security concerns.
The implications of this freeze extend beyond media; they are anticipated to affect political prisoners, youth educational programs, and various activist platforms. Despite these setbacks, figures like Franak Viačorka, an aide to Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, remain determined to maintain the resilience of independent media and civil society amidst these fresh challenges.
