Lithuanian MPs extend national sanctions on Russians, Belarusians, fail to tighten them

VILNIUS - The Lithuanian parliament extended national sanctions against Russian and Belarusian citizens for another year on Thursday, as the Kremlin continues its war in Ukraine.

The motion passed with 115 votes in favor, none against, and one abstention.

In the second reading of the bill earlier this month, lawmakers backed stricter measures than those currently in place, but these were dropped during the third and final vote.

The Law on Restrictive Measures Due to Military Aggression Against Ukraine has suspended the acceptance of applications for Schengen and national visas from Russian and Belarusian citizens, except in cases where the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry acts as an intermediary. Russians' applications for temporary residence in Lithuania are not accepted, with exceptions only for those holding a valid Schengen or national visa or a residence permit in Lithuania or another EU member state.

Russians and Belarusians entering Lithuania from outside the EU are subject to additional checks for threats to national security, public order, public policy, internal security, public health, or international relations.

They are also prohibited from bringing or taking Ukrainian hryvnias into or out of Lithuania, and the import of agricultural products and feed originating from Russia or Belarus is banned.

The law bars Russian citizens without residence permits in Lithuania from purchasing real estate in the country.

The law was first passed in Lithuania in 2023. It aims to show support for Ukraine and restrict certain rights of citizens from the aggressor countries - Russia and Belarus.

The current version of the law is set to remain in effect until May 3, 2025. The government has proposed extending it until May 2, 2026.