Lithuania moves to ban Russian and Belarusian artists who support war

Lithuania's government approved a proposal to ban Russian and Belarusian artists, educators, scientists, and other cultural and sports figures from performing or working in the country if they've worked in occupied Ukrainian territory or supported Russia's war, broadcaster LRT reported. The amendment to Lithuania's sanctions law would require such figures to sign a public declaration condemning Russian aggression and backing Ukraine's territorial integrity, with refusal barring their entry.

The proposal still needs approval from the Seimas and, if passed, would take effect Jan. 1, 2027. Lithuania has so far only imposed individual entry bans on performers who support President Vladimir Putin and have worked in Russia or Crimea, and separately sanctioned Russian billionaires Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman last week.

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