Lithuanians with dual Russian or Belarusian citizenship may be banned from military service
Illustrative photo (Getty Images)
The Lithuanian parliament will consider a draft law prohibiting citizens with dual citizenship of Russia or Belarus from serving in the military. Defense Minister Laurynas Kasčiūnas was involved in developing the document, citing LRT.
According to the initiative, Lithuanians holding Russian or Belarusian citizenship will not be allowed to serve in the professional military, the Volunteer Forces, or any other forms of voluntary or mandatory military service.
Additionally, if a Lithuanian service member acquires Russian or Belarusian citizenship while serving, they will be discharged from the military.
Defense Minister Kasčiūnas said that there is a security risk regarding information related to defense system activities accessible to such individuals.
Furthermore, due to potential ties with Russia or Belarus, such personnel could voluntarily engage in disruptive activities against Lithuania.
Previously, Lithuanian military personnel were banned from visiting Russia, Belarus, or the temporarily occupied parts of Ukraine.
This restriction was implemented since some military personnel may work with classified or top-secret information.
