Lithuania wants Russian performers appearing in the country to sign an anti-war declaration. If they refuse — they won’t be allowed in.

Meduza reports that Lithuania's Foreign Ministry is proposing to require Russian and Belarusian cultural performers to sign a declaration condemning Russia's aggression against Ukraine when they travel to perform in the country. Those who refuse would be barred from entering. The proposed amendments would deny entry to cultural figures who have conducted public activity in Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories or directly supported the war, and to those pursuing policies that undermine Ukraine's sovereignty or territorial integrity. The ministry is also proposing to restrict Russians and Belarusians holding Lithuanian residence permits from purchasing property near military or national security sites. If the amendments pass, they would take effect January 1, 2027. The proposal reflects Lithuania's tightening stance on Russian cultural participation—the country banned rapper Alisher Morgenshtern from entering for a decade in late 2025 on national security grounds.

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