Lithuania Proposes Entry Ban for Pro-War Russians, Belarusians

Lithuania’s foreign ministry has proposed expanding national sanctions against Russian and Belarusian citizens by introducing new entry restrictions for supporters of Moscow’s war against Ukraine and tightening limits on purchasing property near strategically important sites.

According to BNS, the draft amendments, announced on Monday, would take effect on Jan. 1, 2027, if approved.

Under the proposal, Russian and Belarusian citizens, legal entities, and representatives of organizations would be denied entry to Lithuania for public activities in education, science, culture, sports, arts, or entertainment if authorities determine they support Russia’s war against Ukraine or have participated in activities in Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories.

The restrictions would also apply to individuals who undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, or territorial integrity; support serious human rights violations or repression in Russia or Belarus; or engage in activities that threaten democracy and the rule of law.

The ministry said the amendments would establish a clear legal framework preventing public events from being used to spread propaganda or distort historical facts.

“It is important to provide institutions with a clear legal basis for making timely, consistent, and well-founded decisions so that public activities in culture or entertainment are not used for propaganda, historical distortion, and the promotion of narratives aimed at influencing Lithuanian society,” the ministry said.

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Declaration condemning Russia’s invasion

The proposal would also require Russian and Belarusian citizens seeking to participate in public activities in Lithuania to sign a declaration condemning Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.

Applicants would also have to express support for the UN Charter and Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.

The declaration would be made public, and refusal to sign would result in denial of entry.

Russian and Belarusian citizens who do not support the war could still participate in events in Lithuania, however, cannot represent their home states and compete or perform as neutral participants.

Property restrictions near strategic sites

The draft legislation would also prohibit Russian and Belarusian citizens with Lithuanian residence permits from purchasing real estate located near facilities considered critical to Lithuania’s national security or close to military training grounds.

Belarusian citizens without Lithuanian residence permits and Belarusian legal entities would also be barred from acquiring property in such areas. Restrictions on property purchases by Russian citizens elsewhere in Lithuania are already in force.

Lithuania introduced its national restrictive measures against Russian and Belarusian citizens in 2023 following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The legislation aims to demonstrate support for Ukraine while limiting certain rights of citizens who support the Kremlin’s aggression.