Lithuania has revoked the residency permits of more than 100 Russians living in the country, deeming some of them a security threat.
According to the country’s Migration Department, 38 Russians lost their permanent residency in 2022, and 97 more so far this year.
Some of them were stripped of their permits after the State Security Department (VSD), Lithuania’s intelligence agency, said they were posing a threat to national security.
The VSD said some of the Russians had “disloyal views” towards Lithuania, disseminated “propaganda” on social media in line with Russia’s information policy, and had contacts with Russian and Belarusian intelligence services.
One of the Russians who lost his permit was Vladimir Vodo, who claims to be a journalist.
He was accused of having “disloyal views” and spreading “propaganda” on social media.
Another Russian who lost her permit was Yelena Kaminskas, aka Shebunova, who is reportedly the mother of two extramarital children from Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu.
She was accused of having links with Russian structures that may impose a threat to the country’s national security.
Her husband, Adolfas Kaminskas, may also lose his Lithuanian citizenship for having Russian citizenship as well.
Dual citizenship is banned in Lithuania.
The revocation of residency permits comes amid rising tensions between Lithuania and Russia over the situation in Ukraine.
Lithuania has been one of the most vocal supporters of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and has condemned Russia’s invasion and aggression.
Lithuania has also provided humanitarian and military assistance to Ukraine, and has hosted Ukrainian refugees and wounded soldiers.