Lithuania’s government is tightening its stance toward Russian and Belarusian citizens. The Foreign Ministry in Vilnius has submitted a draft law that would deny entry to individuals who support Moscow’s war of aggression against Ukraine. The regulation would also apply to legal entities and organizations that engage in propaganda or participate in activities in occupied Ukrainian territories.
The draft stipulates that Russian and Belarusian citizens wishing to attend public events in Lithuania must sign a declaration condemning Russian aggression and recognizing Ukraine’s independence and territorial integrity. Refusal to sign would result in denial of entry. The declaration would be publicly accessible.
In addition to entry restrictions, Lithuania plans to prohibit Russian and Belarusian citizens from acquiring real estate near military training grounds and other security-sensitive facilities. For Belarusian citizens without a Lithuanian residence permit and Belarusian legal entities, a general ban on land purchases in these areas would apply. Existing restrictions for Russian citizens in other parts of Lithuania remain in force.
Lithuania introduced national sanctions against Russian and Belarusian citizens in 2023 after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. According to the Foreign Ministry, the draft law aims to provide authorities with a clear legal basis to prevent public events from being used for propaganda or historical distortion. The proposed changes are set to take effect on January 1, 2027, pending parliamentary approval.
Source: www.kyivpost.com
