Фото: пресс-служба Сейма Литвы
Lithuania’s Seimas has accepted for consideration amendments to the law on restrictive measures related to the military aggression against Ukraine. The amendments propose extending the current national sanctions against citizens of Russia and Belarus until December 31, 2027. At present, the measures are set to remain in force until May 2, 2026.
A total of 65 lawmakers voted in favor of advancing the amendments to the first reading, while one abstained. Further consideration will take place in the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and the issue is expected to return to the plenary session on April 7, the Seimas press service reported.
“Due to the ongoing unprecedented military aggression against Ukraine by Russia and its accomplice Belarus, the reasons for adopting this law have not disappeared. Russia continues the aggressive war against Ukraine that began on February 24, 2022, continues to commit war crimes and crimes against humanity, and millions of Ukrainians are forced to leave their homes and their country. Russia continues to shell cities and carry out attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure in Ukraine.
On the instructions of the Russian and Belarusian authorities or with their knowledge, favorable conditions are being created for hybrid attacks and various provocations against the Republic of Lithuania. Russia continues to openly and intensively issue threats against states supporting Ukraine, discrediting their independence, territorial integrity, cherished values and history, or even denying their existence. Russia’s aggressive war against Ukraine continues to have a significant negative impact not only on the security of EU and NATO member states but also on the security of all of Europe,” the initiators wrote in the explanatory note.
The proposed amendments also предусматривают banning the import of fuel from Russia and Belarus into Lithuania in standard vehicle fuel tanks if the volume exceeds 200 liters. According to the authors of the amendments, this would help stop a scheme in which truck drivers drain and sell in Lithuania fuel filled in Russia or Belarus.
The current law provides for the suspension of accepting applications for Schengen visas from citizens of Russia and Belarus, a ban on issuing residence permits to Russian citizens, enhanced border checks, a ban on the import of agricultural products from both countries, and a ban on Russian citizens without residence permits purchasing real estate in Lithuania.