Lithuania strips citizenship from soldier fighting for Russia
Photo: Agnė Bilotaitė, Minister of the Interior of Lithuania (Getty Images)
The Lithuanian authorities have stripped Kęstutis Kvetkus of his citizenship. He is fighting against Ukraine on the side of Russian forces, according to LRT.
The agency notes that the citizenship revocation decree for Kvetkus was signed by Lithuania's Minister of the Interior, Agnė Bilotaitė. He is serving in Russia without permission from Lithuanian authorities.
The decision to revoke citizenship was based on the relevant law and information provided by the Migration Department and other government agencies.
Photo: Kęstutis Kvetkus (lrt.lt)
About Kvetkus
Kvetkus is originally from the city of Jurbarkas and has a criminal record.
Additionally, according to unconfirmed reports, he has already obtained Russian citizenship.
On July 1, a video surfaced showing Kvetkus in Russian military uniform.
Lithuanian Defense Minister Laurynas Kasčiūnas previously emphasized that Lithuanian intelligence was aware of Kvetkus's involvement with the Russian army.
"Yes, we had that information, and we always maintain communication through our channels in Ukraine. This is a serious issue, and the state needs to respond," he added.
Additionally, today, September 17, the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine reported that Russia is actively recruiting Syrian citizens for service. They are being sent to the front lines and used as "cannon fodder."
