Lithuania backs Russian, Belarusian property curbs

Lithuania's government approved a draft law on Wednesday that would ban Russians and Belarusians from buying property near strategic sites, including military facilities, in an effort to curb espionage.

The measure still needs parliamentary approval. If adopted, it is due to enter into force on January 1 and would apply only to new purchases. Property acquired through inheritance would be exempt.

The proposed ban would also apply to Russians and Belarusians who hold residence permits in Lithuania, a NATO and European Union member and strong supporter of Ukraine.

The draft text said the restrictions would make it possible to significantly reduce intelligence and hybrid operations, including monitoring military exercises, tracking troop movements, gathering information and organising provocations.

Data from the Lithuanian Centre of Registers from last May showed that 5,104 Russian citizens and 2,781 Belarusian citizens with temporary or permanent residence permits had acquired real estate in Lithuania, including some near sensitive sites.

Latvia and Finland have already imposed similar restrictions. Belarus is a close ally of Moscow.