Lithuania has extended its national sanctions against Russian and Belarusian citizens for another year, prolonging the measures until May 2, 2026. This decision by the Seimas, the Lithuanian parliament, reinforces the country's support for Ukraine in response to the ongoing war.
The extended sanctions maintain restrictions on accepting Schengen and national visa applications from Russian and Belarusian citizens, with limited exceptions handled through the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry. Additional security checks remain in place for Russians and Belarusians entering Lithuania from outside the EU.
The restrictions also include prohibitions on importing or exporting Ukrainian hryvnias and purchasing real estate in Lithuania for Russian citizens without a residence permit. Originally adopted in 2023, the law aims to demonstrate solidarity with Ukraine and limit the rights of citizens from states considered aggressors.