Overview of Lithuanian Sanctions on Russia and Belarus
Lithuanian authorities have announced plans to extend the national sanctions that currently apply to citizens of Russia and Belarus due to the ongoing war in Ukraine. These sanctions are set to remain in place for another year, with no changes proposed to the existing measures. The move follows Lithuania’s ongoing commitment to support the European Union’s stance on the conflict and to maintain national and regional security.
As of now, the current sanctions, which restrict the ability of Russian and Belarusian citizens to travel to Lithuania and settle in the country, are scheduled to expire on May 3, 2025. However, if the Lithuanian authorities move forward with the planned extension, these sanctions will continue until May 2, 2026. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania has already drafted an amendment to extend the law, with the main justification being the ongoing negative impact of Russia’s actions on the security of the European Union and NATO countries.
Impact of Sanctions on Russian and Belarusian Citizens
The sanctions imposed by Lithuania have already had a significant effect on Russian and Belarusian nationals, and if extended, these measures will continue to shape their interactions with Lithuania. One of the main restrictions is that citizens of these two countries will not be able to apply for short-term visas to visit Lithuania. This includes both tourism and business visas. The restrictions also apply to national visas, which are typically required for longer stays in Lithuania.
The only exceptions to this rule are cases where the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs acts as an intermediary. In such situations, it is possible for Russian or Belarusian nationals to submit visa applications. However, these cases are rare, and the general rule will continue to prevent most citizens from these two countries from gaining entry to Lithuania.
In addition to the visa restrictions, the sanctions also prevent Russian and Belarusian nationals from applying for residence permits in Lithuania. Residence permits are typically necessary for foreigners who wish to live and work in the country for extended periods. As of now, the only exceptions to this rule are citizens of Russia and Belarus who already hold valid short-term or long-term Schengen visas or residence permits issued by Lithuania or another EU member state.
The extension of sanctions will also mean that individuals from Russia and Belarus will continue to face extra security checks when entering Lithuania. These checks are part of the broader effort to ensure national security and public safety. The Lithuanian authorities have emphasized that these measures are in place due to the security risks posed by the ongoing war and the potential for individuals from these countries to pose a threat.
Another significant aspect of the sanctions is the ban on Russian citizens purchasing real estate in Lithuania. Under the current law, any Russian citizen who does not hold a valid residence permit issued by Lithuania is prohibited from buying property in the country. This measure is aimed at preventing foreign influence in the Lithuanian property market and further tightening the restrictions on Russian nationals in the country.
The Legal Justification for Extending the Sanctions
The Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has provided an explanatory note justifying the need for the continued sanctions. The note points out that the reasons for the introduction of the law, which were initially based on national security concerns, are still relevant today. Lithuania and its allies in the European Union and NATO face ongoing threats from Russia, whose actions are seen as destabilizing not just the region but the entire European continent.
The Lithuanian Ministry’s note emphasizes that Russia’s war in Ukraine and its broader geopolitical actions continue to threaten the security of EU and NATO members, which is a key reason for extending the sanctions. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has caused significant disruption and loss of life in Europe, prompting countries like Lithuania to take a firm stance against Russia and Belarus.
By extending the sanctions, Lithuania reaffirms its commitment to align with EU and NATO policies, which have imposed similar measures on Russia and Belarus in response to the war. These restrictions aim to prevent further escalation of tensions, protect Lithuania’s national interests, and show solidarity with Ukraine in the broader international effort to counter Russian aggression.
