Lithuania’s Foreign Ministry has proposed expanding national sanctions against Russian and Belarusian citizens, including new restrictions on property purchases near strategic sites and entry bans for individuals who support Russia’s war in Ukraine.
The proposed amendments would bar Russian and Belarusian cultural, entertainment and sports figures from working in Lithuania if they support Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, have participated in the war or contribute to “Kremlin propaganda” through their activities, the ministry said.
“As a democratic state, Lithuania has a duty to protect its public space from regimes that systematically violate human rights, wage aggression against neighbouring states and use culture and entertainment as instruments of soft power,” the ministry said.
Under the proposed amendments to Lithuania's Law on Restrictive Measures Regarding Military Aggression Against Ukraine, Russian and Belarusian individuals and organisations would be denied entry to participate in public activities in education, science, culture, sports, the arts and entertainment if they have operated in Russia-occupied Ukrainian territories or directly or indirectly support the war.
The restrictions would also apply to individuals who pursue policies or take actions undermining Ukraine’s territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence, as well as those who support human rights abuses or repression against civil society and democratic movements in Russia and Belarus.
The ministry also proposes requiring Russian and Belarusian nationals seeking to enter Lithuania for educational, cultural or sporting events to sign a public declaration condemning Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and affirming support for the UN Charter and Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and internationally recognised borders. Those who refuse to sign the declaration would be denied entry.
Russian and Belarusian citizens not covered by those provisions could continue participating in such activities in Lithuania, provided they do not represent their home countries and compete or perform as neutral participants. Organisers of public events would be responsible for ensuring compliance with the restrictions.
The draft legislation also seeks to tighten restrictions on real estate purchases near strategically important facilities.
Under the proposal, Russian and Belarusian citizens holding Lithuanian residence permits would be prohibited from purchasing property near national security facilities or military training grounds. Belarusian citizens without Lithuanian residence permits and Belarusian legal entities would also be barred from acquiring property in those areas. Lithuania has already imposed broader restrictions on property purchases by Russian citizens.
The Foreign Ministry has proposed that the amendments take effect on January 1.
Similar proposals targeting performers and real estate purchases were previously introduced by the opposition Homeland Union-Lithuanian Christian Democrats but were not adopted because only the government has the authority to initiate national sanctions legislation.
Lithuania’s Law on Restrictive Measures Regarding Military Aggression Against Ukraine has been in force since 2023. It was introduced to demonstrate support for Ukraine and impose restrictions on certain rights of Russian and Belarusian citizens, whose countries Lithuania regards as aggressor states.
Lithuania has already barred several performers from entering the country because of their support for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s government or performances in Russia or Russia-annexed Crimea.
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