In response to rising apprehensions regarding real estate transactions involving Russian and Belarusian citizens, members of the opposition Tėvynės sąjunga-Lietuvos krikščionių demokratų (TS-LKD) faction have introduced amendments to the 'Law on the Establishment of Restrictive Measures against Military Aggression against Ukraine.' The proposed changes, presented at a press conference by the faction's deputy leader Mindaugas Lingė and member Dalia Asanavičiūtė-Gružauskienė, aim to restrict real estate acquisitions to individuals from these countries who hold valid permanent residence permits in Lithuania.

The suggested legislation reflects Lithuania's growing concerns about the geopolitical situation, especially considering Belarus's backing of Russia's military actions in Ukraine and its participation in hybrid attacks against Lithuania and other EU and NATO countries. Under the proposed law, only Russian and Belarusian citizens with permanent residency would be allowed to purchase property in Lithuania, effectively denying this option for those holding temporary residence permits.

This move underscores the Lithuanian government’s proactive stance towards safeguarding national security by tightening control over foreign investments in the real estate sector, particularly from nations perceived as posing a threat. If these amendments pass, they may serve as a precedent for other countries in the region facing similar security dilemmas, reflecting an increasingly vigilant approach towards foreign ownership of domestic assets in response to geopolitical tensions.