Lithuanian MPs on Tuesday gave their initial backing to plans to extend the existing national sanctions against Russian and Belarusian citizens, while imposing additional penalties on residents from these countries who make frequent trips home.
The motion was supported by 110 members of the Lithuanian parliament, Seimas. Seven MPs did not take part in the vote.
The bill needs one more vote to pass.
Tighter restrictions, no sanctions for agricultural produce
MPs backed a joint bill of the Seimas Committee on National Security and Defence (NSGK), which includes proposals by conservative MPs Laurynas Kasčiūnas, Audronius Ažubalis and Valdas Rakutis that the issuance of Lithuanian residence permits for Belarusian citizens, just like Russians, should be suspended if they do not have a valid visa.
Meanwhile, the existing permits should be revoked if Russian and Belarusian citizens have travelled to Russia or Belarus more than once over the last three months.
An exception would be made for haulers, lorry drivers, people travelling in transit through Russia or Belarus, or if the journey was made for “objective reasons” beyond the person’s control.
Last week, these proposals were unanimously endorsed by the NSGK, and backed by the president’s office and the State Security Department. However, they were criticised by business organisations.
However, the Seimas voted to exempt agricultural produce from the existing sanctions, a proposal by made by MP Ignas Vėgėlė of the Lithuanian Farmers and Greens Union group.
Proposed extension
The government’s proposal calls for maintaining the current restrictions on Russian and Belarusian citizens.
The law suspended the acceptance of applications for Schengen and national visas from Russian and Belarusian citizens, except in cases where the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry acts as an intermediary, as well as applications for temporary residence permits in Lithuania, unless the individual holds a valid Schengen or national visa or a residence permit in Lithuania or another EU country.
Russians and Belarusians entering Lithuania from outside the EU are subject to additional checks for threats to national security.
They are also prohibited from bringing or taking Ukrainian hryvnias, and the import of agricultural products and feed originating from Russia or Belarus is banned.
The law bars Russian citizens without residence permits in Lithuania from purchasing real estate in the country.
The law imposing restrictive measures in response to military aggression against Ukraine was first passed in Lithuania in 2023. It aims to show support for Ukraine and restrict certain rights of citizens from Russia and Belarus.
The sanctions were updated and extended last year. The government is proposing to extend the law, which is set to expire on May 3, 2025, by one year, until May 2, 2026.
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