Lithuania Revokes Citizenship of 2 Nationals Fighting for Russia Against Ukraine

Two Lithuanian citizens who fought for Russia in its war against Ukraine have had their Lithuanian citizenship revoked, said Lithuanian Minister of Internal Affairs, Agnė Bilotaitė, reported Lithuanian outlet LRT on October 23.

Bilotaitė made the decision to revoke the citizenship of Vitalijus Kazakevičius, born in 1984, and Juozas Samuolis, born in 1978. Both individuals were born in Lithuania.

The move followed information provided by Lithuanian intelligence services suggesting that the 2 men were likely serving in Russia’s armed forces.

“The Migration Department received intelligence data indicating that both individuals are possibly serving in the Russian Federation and participating in military operations against Ukraine,” confirmed department spokesperson Rokas Pukinskas.

Attempts to contact these 2 individuals through official channels were unsuccessful.

However, according to Pukinskas, Lithuania’s Citizenship Law allows the revocation of citizenship for individuals who serve a foreign state without the government’s permission.

Earlier, it was reported that Lithuania is investing €10 million in the production of the “Palianytsia” rocket drone, following the “Danish model " of direct funding for a Ukrainian manufacturer.