Lithuania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has proposed extending national restrictive measures against citizens of Russia and Belarus until 2028 amid Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine. According to a draft prepared by the foreign ministry, it is proposed to amend the current law by extending its validity not by one year, as before, but until December 31, 2027, LRT reports.
The explanatory note states that this approach complies with the principle of proportionality and preserves the temporary nature of the restrictive measures, with the possibility of their revision.
Until now, Lithuania’s Seimas has extended national sanctions against Russians and Belarusians on an annual basis. The current measures are set to expire on May 2, 2026.
The Foreign Ministry emphasizes that extending the law will allow Lithuania to continue applying additional national restrictions alongside European Union sanctions, viewing them as a foreign policy instrument toward aggressor states. In addition, the government will retain the ability to freeze financial assets and economic resources, as well as to introduce sectoral measures in the event that EU sanctions are lifted or terminated.
At the same time, the ministry does not propose introducing new restrictions. The document states that the current package of measures is “optimal and balanced” and will not create additional inconvenience for residents of Lithuania.
At present, the law provides for refusal to accept applications from citizens of Russia and Belarus for national and Schengen visas, except in cases of mediation by the Foreign Ministry. Russians are also not issued residence permits if they do not have a valid visa or a residence permit from another EU country.
In addition, there is a ban on applying for electronic residency, on Russians acquiring real estate without a residence permit, as well as on the import and export of cash and the import of agricultural products from Russia and Belarus. The law also provides for the revocation of temporary residence permits for Russian citizens if they have visited Russia or Belarus more than once within three months, with exceptions for certain categories.
