Lithuania intends to extend restrictions for citizens of Russia and Belarus for another year.

The Lithuanian government has proposed to the Seimas to extend the national sanctions imposed on citizens of Russia and Belarus for another year.

This was reported by RBK-Ukraine citing LRT.

The Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs aims to prolong the restrictive measures, which have been in effect for two years, for an additional year—until May 2, 2026. Currently, the law stipulates that the aforementioned sanctions are applicable until May 2, 2025. The ministry noted that the war initiated by Russia against Ukraine on February 24, 2022, is still ongoing, thus the reasons for implementing these restrictions remain valid.

"Extending the law will allow Lithuania to apply restrictive measures at the national level against aggressor states as a foreign policy tool, in addition to the international sanctions imposed by the European Union in connection with the war unleashed by the Russian Federation against Ukraine," the explanatory note to the bill states.

Lithuania Bans Russians from Purchasing Real Estate

Recall that in April of last year, the Lithuanian parliament passed a law prohibiting Russians from buying real estate. This ban was effective until 2024 and will not apply to Russians who have been granted residency rights in the country.

Additionally, the parliament has prohibited the issuance of new visas for citizens of Russia and Belarus.

Furthermore, Russians and Belarusians who hold visas will be subject to "individual enhanced checks" at the border to determine whether they pose a threat to Lithuania's national security.