Lithuanian conservatives push to revoke citizenship for Russia support

Key Takeaways

• Lithuania may revoke citizenship from dual or naturalized citizens publicly supporting Russia as a security threat.
• Law targets exceptions: dual nationality holders and those naturalized for special reasons—not Lithuanian citizens by birth.
• Residence permits for Russians and Belarusians are now revokable for frequent unjustified travel; measures effective until May 2026.

Lithuania 🇱🇹 has found itself at the center of regional security debates, mainly because of its close proximity to Russia 🇷🇺 and the unfolding war in Ukraine 🇺🇦. Recently, Lithuanian conservatives have made headlines by proposing strict changes to the country’s citizenship laws. These changes focus on people who openly support Russia 🇷🇺, especially when those actions could put Lithuania’s safety at risk. As tensions in the region continue, these proposals show how countries are taking new steps to protect their citizens and borders.

Lithuanian Conservatives and the New Citizenship Proposals

In 2024 and 2025, lawmakers from the Lithuanian conservative party began drafting changes that target people with ties to both Lithuania 🇱🇹 and other countries. The proposals mainly affect dual citizens—those who hold passports from two countries—and naturalized citizens, who received Lithuanian citizenship through special exceptions instead of being born there.

The main goal behind these changes is clear: Lithuanian conservatives want to make it possible for the government to take away citizenship from anyone who is found to publicly stand with a country that puts Lithuania or its allies in danger. The country most often mentioned in this context is Russia 🇷🇺, largely because of the ongoing war in Ukraine 🇺🇦 and the fear that some people inside Lithuania could help or encourage Russia’s actions.

A Lithuanian ministry official summarized it best in June 2024: “Newly-drafted legal amendments would apply… enabling authorities to revoke Lithuanian citizenship from those who ‘publicly support a foreign state that threatens the security interests of Lithuania…’” This statement captures the urgency felt by many in government and shows why these legal steps are being considered now.

Why Target Russia 🇷🇺?

The reason Lithuania 🇱🇹 is acting now has a lot to do with the events of the last few years. After Russia 🇷🇺 invaded Ukraine 🇺🇦, countries across Europe grew more concerned about their own security. For Lithuania, which shares a border with Russia, the threat feels very real. Lawmakers worry that some citizens with ties to Russia or who simply support its current government could be putting the country at risk, even if they are not breaking any other laws.

Russian oligarchs—very rich businesspeople tied to the Russian government—have also come under the spotlight. There have been reports that some of these oligarchs’ families were able to get Lithuanian citizenship. This move could help them avoid Western sanctions aimed at punishing them for their connections to the Russian government. The thought that Lithuania’s citizenship could be used this way has upset many conservatives and is part of the drive for the new laws.

Who Would the Law Affect?

The proposed law changes are not designed to strip everyone of their citizenship. Instead, they focus on a small group of people:

• Dual citizens who got Lithuanian citizenship through exceptions: These are often people who did not get citizenship by birth, but through special legal paths.
• Naturalized citizens by exception: Some people gain citizenship for special reasons, such as notable athletes or artists, who have special ties to Lithuania.

If these people are found to publicly support Russia—by words or actions—during a time when Russia is considered a threat to Lithuania or the European Union’s security, the government wants the power to take away their Lithuanian citizenship.

Real Cases: The Example of Margarita Drobiazko

One case that received a lot of attention involves Margarita Drobiazko. She is a Russian-born ice dancer who became a Lithuanian citizen by exception. In 2022, she took part in an event linked to well-known supporters of the Kremlin, the seat of Russian government power. This action made Lithuanian leaders worried that well-known public figures could use their citizenship to support Russia’s interests, even if only through public appearances. The Drobiazko case has been widely discussed and is often cited by those in favor of stricter citizenship laws.

What Does “Publicly Supporting Russia 🇷🇺” Mean?

Lawmakers have not given a list of actions that count as “support,” but say it could include things like:

• Speaking out in favor of Russia’s actions at public events or online
• Taking part in rallies, concerts, or other acts that promote Russia’s government
• Working with Russian officials or businesses linked to the Russian state
• Any action that, in the eyes of Lithuania 🇱🇹, helps an aggressor country or makes Lithuania less safe

It is important to note that these rules would only apply to people who are not Lithuanian citizens by birth, and mostly to those who also have citizenship from another country.

Citizenship, Security, and National Identity

Citizenship is more than just a piece of paper—it connects a person with a country, giving them rights, but also asking for loyalty in return. Lithuanian conservatives argue that someone who supports a country in conflict with Lithuania or the European Union cannot be trusted with the special rights that come with citizenship.

The legislation, however, is not yet approved. Parliament needs to debate and agree to these changes before they can become law. Still, by writing and discussing these amendments, Lithuanian conservatives show a clear desire to send a warning to anyone who might back a hostile power like Russia 🇷🇺.

How Do These Changes Fit into Wider Sanctions and Laws?

Stripping citizenship is not the only step Lithuania 🇱🇹 is taking. The government has also made it easier to take away residence permits from Russians 🇷🇺 and Belarusians 🇧🇾 who live in Lithuania but travel home often without a good reason. These rules came in response to worries that such travel could expose Lithuania to security risks.

Specifically, if a Russian or Belarusian living in Lithuania leaves the country frequently—especially if they go back to their home country without giving a clear reason—the Lithuanian authorities can cancel their right to stay in the country. These restrictions are set to last until at least May 2026. The aim, according to officials, is to limit risk until the region is believed to be secure again.

The Larger Story: Protecting National Security in a Time of Conflict

The steps being taken by Lithuanian conservatives fit into a much broader story. After Russia 🇷🇺 invaded Ukraine 🇺🇦, security became a top issue across Europe. Governments—especially those near Russia, like Lithuania 🇱🇹—have started to look more closely at who lives in their countries, who can become a citizen, and how they should act during times of crisis.

Sanctions against Russia now include not only traditional things like freezing bank accounts and banning certain goods, but also newer tools like restricting which people can live or become citizens in European countries.

Summary Table: Main Elements of the Lithuanian Approach

This table, drawn from VisaVerge.com’s investigation, makes clear how the government has separated the rules for citizens and residents. There is a focus on both what people say and do, as well as whom they continue to have contact with in their countries of origin.

The Debate: Rights, Fairness, and Security

While many in Lithuania 🇱🇹 agree that the government should stay alert, some critics warn that these new laws might go too far. People worry about fairness: Is it right to take away citizenship based on what someone says or does, especially if they have lived in Lithuania for years and contributed to society?

Lawmakers have tried to answer these concerns by making the laws apply only to people with dual citizenship gained by exception, not to those who were born Lithuanian citizens or have only Lithuanian citizenship. Supporters of the law argue this is a fair balance, because it leaves natural citizens’ rights untouched, while making it harder for anyone to misuse the privilege of citizenship.

What Comes Next? Steps for Approval and Enforcement

As of mid-2024, the new rules for stripping citizenship are not yet in force. They have been written up and shared with parliament, but still need to be debated, possibly changed, and then voted on. If passed, they will give Lithuania 🇱🇹 some of the toughest rules in Europe against public supporters of Russia 🇷🇺.

For residents—people who are not citizens—rules around residence permits are already being enforced. The ongoing measures against Russians 🇷🇺 and Belarusians 🇧🇾 will stay until at least 2026. This means that many people could see their ability to stay in Lithuania reviewed if officials believe they are a risk, especially if they move often between Lithuania and their birth country.

For anyone wanting to know more about how Lithuanian citizenship works, or what rights and duties it brings, you can visit the official Lithuanian Ministry of the Interior’s citizenship information page here.

The Impact: Who Feels It?

For Immigrants and Dual Citizens

• Immigrants and people with dual citizenship need to be careful about public statements and actions, especially if they could be seen as supportive of Russia 🇷🇺.
• Those who have Lithuanian citizenship by exception are most at risk if they are thought to help or side with a country viewed as an enemy.
• These rules show that the government will be paying close attention to anyone who might be working against Lithuanian 🇱🇹 interests, even if their actions are legal in other countries.

For Employers and Educational Groups

• Organizations in Lithuania that work with staff or students from Russia 🇷🇺 or Belarus 🇧🇾 may need to pay closer attention to their activities. If an employee or student is affected by these laws, they might lose their right to live or work in the country.
• Universities and research institutions also have to make sure that they do not support public events that could be interpreted as backing Russia, or they could risk losing key people.

For the Wider Public

• Ordinary Lithuanians 🇱🇹 are following the debate closely, as many want to make sure their country is safe. However, there is also a strong tradition of free speech and fairness, so lawmakers will need to balance the new rules with basic rights.
• Anyone with ties to Russia 🇷🇺 or Belarus 🇧🇾—even those who do not support their governments—may feel added pressure at work or in public.

Summary: A Sign of the Times

The efforts by Lithuanian conservatives to tighten citizenship and residency rules are part of a much bigger story about how Europe is responding to the war in Ukraine and changing security risks. By going after public supporters of Russia 🇷🇺 and putting new rules in place for immigrants, Lithuania 🇱🇹 is sending a message: citizenship comes with responsibility, especially in challenging times.

These proposals are not law yet, but they are a strong sign of the country’s priorities. As Lithuania’s parliament considers these changes, the world will be watching to see how the country balances security, fairness, and the rights of its people. For readers who want to understand how such changes could affect them or people they know, checking official government sources and staying updated on new laws will be the best strategy.

As these debates move forward, Lithuania 🇱🇹 stays at the front line—defending its security, deciding who can be a citizen, and reminding everyone that in today’s world, the line between belonging and not belonging is being redrawn by urgent public concerns.

Learn Today

Dual citizenship → Holding citizenship in two countries at the same time, with rights and obligations in both nations.
Naturalized citizen → A person who has been granted citizenship after birth, often through exceptions or special procedures.
Residency permit → Official authorization allowing a foreign national to live temporarily or permanently in a specific country.
Sanctions → Penalties or restrictions placed by one country on another, or its individuals, often for political reasons.
Oligarch → A very wealthy businessperson with significant political influence, often linked to the Russian government.

This Article in a Nutshell

Lithuanian conservatives plan strict citizenship rules allowing revocation for dual or naturalized citizens who publicly support Russia. This draft law, inspired by recent tensions and specific cases, aims to protect national security. Already, residence permits can be revoked for Russians and Belarusians traveling home without justification until 2026.
— By VisaVerge.com

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