On July 27, Lithuania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Russian and Belarusian artists, athletes, and other public sector representatives seeking to participate in cultural or sporting events within the country may be required to sign a declaration condemning Russia’s special military operation in Ukraine.
“The recent discussions, including at the municipal level, have shown the need for clearer regulation of the participation of representatives of Russia and Belarus assisting in public activities in Lithuania across education, science, culture, sports, art, and entertainment,” the ministry stated in an official announcement.
Under this initiative, individuals wishing to engage in educational, cultural, or sporting events in Lithuania must sign a declaration condemning Russian actions while affirming support for the United Nations Charter and Ukraine’s territorial integrity. The document will be published publicly, and refusal to sign will serve as grounds for denial of entry. Additionally, the amendments include restrictions on the entry of individuals deemed by Lithuanian authorities to support Russia’s military activities in Ukraine, as well as prohibitions on Russian and Belarusian citizens purchasing real estate near strategic facilities.
