The Lithuanian Government Has Approved New Restrictions For Belarusian Citizens
- 1.10.2026, 17:01
Now it's up to the Sejm.
On September 30, the Lithuanian government approved a proposal by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to restrict the activities in the country of Russians and Belarusians who support the aggression against Ukraine. According to the national broadcaster LRT, the Seimas must now consider the corresponding amendments to the law on national sanctions.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs proposes barring individuals and legal entities from Russia and Belarus, as well as representatives of organizations, from engaging in public activities in the fields of education, science, culture, sports, the arts, and entertainment. The ban will apply to those who previously engaged in such activities in the annexed or temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, directly or indirectly support the war against the Ukrainian people, or participated in it.
The restrictions will not apply to those who, in these territories, openly opposed the aggression, occupation, or annexation; publicly expressed their disagreement with such actions; and objectively did not further the interests of the occupying authorities.
In addition, it is proposed to deny entry to Lithuania to individuals who “take actions or pursue policies that undermine the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence of Ukraine, or its stability or security.” The same applies to those who “directly or indirectly support gross human rights violations or repression against civil society and democratic forces in Russia and Belarus, or whose activities threaten democracy or the rule of law.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs proposes that anyone wishing to engage in such activities in Lithuania be required to sign a public declaration condemning Russian aggression against Ukraine and affirming support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity. Refusal to sign would constitute grounds for a ban. If the circumstances listed above are not established, representatives of Russia and Belarus will be able to work in Lithuania only as neutral participants who do not represent the state of their citizenship.
It is also proposed to restrict Russians and Belarusians with residence permits in Lithuania from purchasing real estate near sites critical to national security and military training grounds. Belarusian citizens without a residence permit and legal entities owned by them will be completely prohibited from purchasing real estate in such areas. Such restrictions are already in place for Russian citizens. Inheriting real estate is not subject to these restrictions.
If the Seimas approves the amendments, they will take effect on January 1, 2027. Public activity agreements concluded before that date will need to be reviewed and revised by February 28, 2027.