Lithuania Prolongs Sanctions Against Russian and Belarusian Nationals
Lithuania Extends Sanctions on Russian Citizens While Easing Pressure on Belarusians
The Lithuanian Parliament has voted to extend and tighten sanctions on Russian nationals for another year, reinforcing the country’s ongoing national security policies in response to geopolitical tensions. However, in a notable shift, the same measures were not extended to Belarusian citizens, according to a report by LRT.
Split Decision on Belarusian Nationals
Attempts to impose identical restrictions on both Russian and Belarusian citizens were rejected by some Lithuanian lawmakers, resulting in a final vote that approved restrictions solely on Russian nationals.
Under the new rules, Russian passport holders residing in Lithuania risk losing their residence permits if they travel to Russia or Belarus more than once within a three-month period without valid justification.
Security Concerns and Counterintelligence Threats
The decision follows warnings from Lithuania’s intelligence services, which emphasized the growing counterintelligence threats posed by the regimes in Russia and Belarus. Opposition leaders in Parliament, particularly from the conservative Homeland Union, highlighted that both regimes use similar tactics to influence or recruit their citizens abroad, potentially endangering Lithuanian security.
Calls for Stricter Measures Against Belarusian Nationals
While Belarusian nationals were spared in the latest legislative action, Lithuania’s intelligence agencies have urged politicians to impose stricter controls, warning that authorities cannot thoroughly screen every individual entering the country from Belarus.
In March 2024, three conservative MPs—Laurynas Kasčiūnas, Audronius Ažubalis, and Valdas Rakutis—proposed tightening residence regulations further. Their draft legislation sought to revoke residence permits of Russian and Belarusian nationals who make frequent visits to their home countries, arguing that such behavior may signal undue influence or risk.
Background on Visa and Border Restrictions
Since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Lithuania has introduced multiple restrictive measures targeting Russian and Belarusian nationals:
- In 2023, Lithuania passed a law halting the issuance of national and Schengen visas to citizens of both countries, except under special exemptions via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Russians crossing into Lithuania’s external EU borders are subjected to heightened individual controls, with authorities citing risks to national security, public order, public health, and international relations.
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