Lithuania About to Extend Sanctions Against Russia and Belarus Until 2026
Since 2023, Lithuania has suspended Schengen visa applications for Russian and Belarusian citizens, tightened border controls, banned imports of agricultural products and animal feed, and prohibited Russian citizens without Lithuanian residency from buying real estate.
The Lithuanian Parliament, Seimas, has initiated discussions on amendments to its law on restrictive measures in response to Russia’s ongoing military aggression against Ukraine. The proposed changes, introduced by Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys, seek to extend national sanctions against Russian and Belarusian citizens until May 2, 2026.
Restrictive Measures since May 2023
According to Budrys, the justification for these sanctions remains unchanged. The restrictive measures, first implemented on May 3, 2023, include:
- Suspension of Schengen visa applications for Russian and Belarusian citizens, except in specific cases.
- Stricter border controls for Russian and Belarusian nationals entering Lithuania.
- Ban on importing agricultural products and animal feed from Russia and Belarus.
- Prohibition on Russian citizens (without Lithuanian residency permits) from purchasing real estate in Lithuania.
The law also enforces individual security screenings at Lithuania’s external EU border for Russian travelers, assessing potential threats to national security, public order, and international relations. Belarusian travelers undergo similar checks to evaluate risks to Schengen-area security.
No Intention to Soften Sanctions
During the Seimas session, Budrys emphasized that the existing restrictions are necessary and justified, given the persistent security threats. He confirmed that the government does not intend to soften the measures.
The first reading of the proposal saw 91 Seimas members voting in favor, 4 against, and 14 abstaining. Further discussions are set to continue on April 8 in the National Security and Defense, Foreign Affairs, and Agricultural Committees.
Read also how Lithuania ended their bilateral customs deal with Belarus here on Grosswald.org:
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