The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania proposes expanding national sanctions against citizens of Russia and Belarus. Among the initiatives are new entry rules, restrictions on real estate purchases, and a ban on activities for individuals who support aggression against Ukraine. This is reported by the Lithuanian publication LRT, as conveyed by UNN.
Details
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania has prepared amendments to the law on national sanctions, which provide for new restrictions on citizens of Russia and Belarus.
In particular, it is proposed to ban the purchase of real estate near strategic facilities, as well as to deny entry to representatives of culture, education, science, sports, arts, and the entertainment industry if they support aggression against Ukraine or have participated in activities in the temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories by Russia. According to the publication, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained the need for such changes as follows:
Recent discussions, particularly at the local government level, have shown the need for clearer regulation of the participation of representatives of Russia, which is committing aggression against Ukraine, and Belarus, which supports it, in Lithuania's public activities in the fields of education, science and training, culture, sports, arts, and entertainment
The amendments also provide for a ban on entry for individuals who support the war against Ukraine, undermine its territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence, support gross human rights violations or repression against civil society and democratic forces in Russia and Belarus, as well as those whose activities pose a threat to democracy or the rule of law.
Furthermore, the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs proposes introducing a mandatory declaration for citizens of Russia and Belarus who will come to Lithuania to participate in educational, cultural, or sporting events. In the document, they must condemn Russian aggression against Ukraine, support the UN Charter, as well as the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.
Refusal to sign the declaration will be grounds for denial of entry to the country, and the document itself is planned to be made public.
Recall
Lithuanian Defense Minister Robertas Kaunas stated that the Kremlin may consider the Baltic countries and Poland as the next target for escalation. Experts consider Estonia the most vulnerable due to military resources and geography.