Lithuania Plans Entry Ban for Russian Soldiers Fighting in Ukraine

The Lithuanian government is preparing to ban entry for Russian military personnel who have participated in combat against Ukraine. Interior Minister Vladislav Kondratovich announced that a list of these soldiers is currently under review, although the implementation details are still being finalized.

"This is a national initiative. Estonia has already begun implementing it, and we are now figuring out when, who, and how we can proceed, as this is a complex task," he stated.

Kondratovich emphasized the necessity of ensuring that the data regarding the individuals on the list is authentic and accurate to avoid potential legal disputes in the future. He mentioned that Lithuania is collaborating with Estonia, which already has a list of individuals banned from entry and is in the process of implementing its measures.

The minister noted that the number of Russians who have fought against Ukraine could potentially reach hundreds of thousands. This move aligns with actions taken by Estonia, which in January called for European Union member states to adopt a coordinated ban on issuing Schengen visas to individuals who have fought on the Russian side in the Ukraine conflict.

Lithuania's Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys expressed support for this proposal, indicating a unified stance among Baltic states concerning security and immigration policies related to the ongoing conflict. As of current regulations in Lithuania, visa applications from Russian and Belarusian citizens are generally not accepted, except in cases where the foreign ministry acts as an intermediary.

Previously, Estonia had banned entry for 261 individuals in January who participated in the war against Ukraine on behalf of Russia, with an additional 1,073 banned in February. The implementation of these bans reflects a growing trend among Baltic nations to restrict entry for those deemed threats to regional security stemming from their participation in military actions in Ukraine.