In the first reading, the Diet of Lithuania adopted a bill on the introduction of restrictive measures in response to the military aggression of Russia in Ukraine.

113 deputies voted for it, nine abstained, reports the BNS agency.

The document provides for the suspension of applications from citizens of Russia and Belarus for obtaining Lithuanian citizenship and the adoption of decisions on such applications, writes Delfi.

In addition, citizens of these two countries will no longer be granted a temporary residence permit in Lithuania.

According to the information of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Lithuania, in 2021, 33 Belarusians and 45 Russians received Lithuanian citizenship by naturalization, and in 2022 - 16 Belarusians and 29 Russians.

In 2021, 34 Belarusians and 34 Russians received Lithuanian citizenship in a simplified manner, and in 2022 - 6 Belarusians and 17 Russians.

According to the bill, Russian citizens and companies controlled by them are prohibited from buying real estate in the country.

The exception will be for Russians who received a temporary residence permit in Lithuania due to persecution in their homeland.

Deputies believe that the acquisition of real estate by Russians in the long term may pose a danger to Lithuania's national security.

In addition, when entering Lithuania through the external borders of the European Union, Russian citizens will be checked individually to assess their potential threat to the country's national security.

This will not apply to diplomats, dissidents, workers of transport companies, family members of EU citizens and Russians who have a residence permit or a long-term national visa of EU countries.

If adopted, the law will be valid for one year - until April 14, 2024.