The Lithuanian parliament today decided to ban Russian citizens from buying property in the Baltic country, citing national security risks.

The ban, which will be in effect until 2024, will not affect Russians who have received a residence permit in the country.

Parliament also stopped issuing new entry visas (visas) to citizens of Russia and its ally Belarus.

Many citizens of the two countries who have other travel documents, such as previously issued entry visas, will be subject to “extensive individual checks” at the border to ensure they do not pose a threat to national security.

“The vast majority of Russian citizens support their country’s aggressive military actions and do not take action to stop their country’s regime from attacking, so they share the responsibility,” Deputy Foreign Minister Jurgita Nelüpsienė told parliament when the bill was presented.

In December, citizens of Russia and Belarus living in the country were also banned from owning weapons. The measure, which came into force on April 1, 2023, is aimed at preventing the formation of armed formations opposing the authorities in the event of unrest in the country bordering Belarus and the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad.

According to APE-MPE, Reuters