Lithuania wants to amend the national sanctions law to condition the entry into the country of artists, athletes, scientists, and other public figures from Russia and Belarus. Thus, they will be allowed access only after signing a public declaration condemning Russian aggression against Ukraine, reports LRT, quoted by IPN.

According to the project put forward by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Russian and Belarusian citizens who wish to travel to Lithuania to participate in educational, cultural or sports events will need to sign a document condemning Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, supporting the UN Charter, as well as the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within internationally recognized borders. Refusal to sign the declaration will constitute grounds for refusal of entry into the country, and the document is to be made public.

The amendments also provide for the prohibition of entry into Lithuania for those who support the war against Ukraine, undermine its territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence. Entry into the country will also be prohibited for those who support serious human rights violations or the repression of 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.

The package of restrictions also includes the prohibition of real estate purchases near strategic objectives by Russian and Belarusian citizens. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Vilnius explained the need for these changes by stating that recent discussions, especially at the level of local administrations, have highlighted the need for clearer regulation of the participation of representatives from Russia and Belarus, a state that supports Russian aggression, in public activities in Lithuania in the fields of education, science, culture, sports, arts, and entertainment.