Lithuania is poised to impose new restrictions on Russian and Belarusian citizens who support the regimes in Moscow and Minsk. These measures could prevent them from working in education, culture, science, sports, and entertainment, as well as limit real estate purchases near military areas and state security facilities.
This initiative follows damage to the Lithuanian embassy during the recent Russian attack on Kyiv. The Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has drafted this proposal as an amendment to laws responding to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, as Euronews reported.
“Russia’s campaign of terror against Ukraine continues without limits. There is no sign of any genuine willingness to stop it, to seek peace or engage in negotiations. The Kremlin’s objective remains the same: destruction, death and intimidation. The response is clear: increase pressure on Russia through stronger sanctions and step up support for Ukraine,” Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys posted on X.
The restrictions will target individuals and entities from Russia and Belarus who have supported the war, operated in occupied territories, endorsed repression, or refused to condemn the invasion. They would be prohibited from participating in public activities in specific fields to prevent these sectors from being used for propaganda and influence.
The Lithuanian Foreign Ministry stated that these measures are designed to strengthen societal resilience against disinformation and to provide a clearer legal framework for authorities.
The minister also called for stronger sanctions against Russia and further increased support for Ukraine as a response.
The proposed amendment in Lithuania aims to tighten regulations on real estate purchases. Russian citizens without permanent or temporary residence permits will be prohibited from buying property, including those with residence permits seeking to acquire land near national security or military sites. This restriction will also apply to Belarusian citizens.
The Lithuanian government expects these measures to minimise risks related to intelligence gathering and hostile activities near sensitive areas. Lithuania will join other regional countries that have implemented similar measures.
For example, Estonia prohibits non-European Economic Area citizens (except British citizens) from purchasing property in certain areas. Latvia’s parliament approved a nationwide ban on real estate purchases by citizens of Russia and Belarus, including companies linked to them, in June 2025, citing concerns about influence and the misuse of property. Finland introduced a comparable law on 15 July 2025, prohibiting real estate transactions with Russian and Belarusian entities that pose a national security threat.
The Lithuanian proposal needs parliamentary approval and the President’s Gitanas Nauseda signature. If passed, it will come into effect on 1 January 2027.
