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Lithuania Preparing to Restrict Entry for Russian Soldiers Involved in War in Ukraine
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Lithuania is taking steps to join Estonia in barring Russian soldiers who fought in Ukraine from entering the country, according to LRT on March 12.
Lithuania’s Interior Minister Vladislav Kondratovič announced that the country is preparing to act on a list of Russian soldiers, though the practical details of the implementation are still being worked out.
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The minister emphasized the importance of ensuring the accuracy of the list before moving forward.
“We must be sure that the data is truly authentic and correct, and that there will be no legal disputes afterwards. Our colleagues from Estonia have the list. We are sharing it, they are already implementing it, and we are joining in,” he added.
Lithuania's Migration Department noted that it has not yet received the official data, but assured that decisions would be made within its authority once the information is received.
Kondratovič acknowledged the vast scale of the operation, stating that the number of Russian soldiers who fought in Ukraine could potentially reach “hundreds of thousands.”
In February, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has urged the European Union to impose a continent-wide ban on entry for Russian citizens involved in the aggression against Ukraine, emphasizing that this step is crucial for enhancing Europe’s long-term security.
“There needs to be a total EU-wide entry ban for Russian citizens who took part in Russian aggression against Ukraine,” Sybiha stated. “First, it’s about the long-term national security of European states and the protection of their citizens from Russian thugs.”
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Sybiha explained that such a ban would not only strengthen security but also act as a strong deterrent, signaling clear consequences for those involved in the war.
“Second, this will set the right price for the wrong choices: each Russian who signs a contract to invade Ukraine must know that he also signs himself a lifelong entry ban to Europe,” he added.
Additinally, it was reported that EU officials were set to tighten visa regulations for Russian citizens by the end of 2025, although a total ban on tourist visas is not being considered.
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-111f0e5095e02c02446ffed57bfb0ab1.jpeg "Photo of Roman Kohanets")
