Lithuania Moves to Block Russian Property Deals Near High-Risk Strategic Sites

The Lithuanian government approved a draft law prohibiting citizens of Russia and Belarus from purchasing real estate in areas located near strategically important assets.

This restriction applies to individuals from both nations even if they hold valid residence permits in the country, according to LRT on September 30.

The proposed legislation also bars Belarusian citizens without a residence permit from purchasing real estate anywhere in Lithuania. A similar ban for Russian citizens without residence permits was already included in a previous legislative draft.

Under the provisions of the bill, the restrictions will not apply if the property ownership is transferred through inheritance. If approved by the Lithuanian Parliament, the amendments are set to take effect on January 1, 2027.

Other regional neighbors, including Latvia and Finland, have previously introduced bans on property acquisition by Russian and Belarusian nationals, with exceptions made for those holding residence permits in those countries. Estonia is currently preparing to implement a similar prohibition.

Read more

Category

World

Russia Sends NATO Formal Nuclear Warning Over Kaliningrad

Sep 30, 2026 17:01

Previously, Lithuania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs submitted amendments to the country's sanctions legislation aimed at blocking pro-war Russian and Belarusian public figures from entering the country and preventing real estate purchases near critical infrastructure.

Under the proposed measures, individuals and corporate entities supporting Moscow’s war effort were to be prohibited from conducting public activities in education, culture, sports, and entertainment.

To enter Lithuania, visiting figures were required to sign a public declaration condemning Russian military aggression and supporting Ukrainian sovereignty, with refusal resulting in an automatic denial of entry. Furthermore, the draft legislation introduced real estate restrictions that prevented Russian and Belarusian citizens with residence permits from acquiring property near military grounds or key national security facilities.

Help Ukrainian Units Hold the Drone Line

Download APP