Lithuania Moves to Ban Performances by Russian and Belarusian Artists Who Support Aggression Against Ukraine

The Lithuanian government has approved a proposal to ban performances by Russian and Belarusian artists who have participated in cultural events in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine or supported Russia’s aggression. The Lithuanian public broadcaster LRT reported the decision.

The proposed restrictions would apply not only to performers who have appeared in occupied Ukrainian territories but also to other cultural figures who have directly or indirectly supported Russia’s war against Ukraine.

However, the government’s approval does not mean that the ban has already entered into force. The Lithuanian government must still establish specific criteria for applying the restrictions, after which the Seimas, Lithuania’s parliament, will need to approve the relevant legislative amendments.

Exceptions are also envisaged for artists who have publicly condemned Russian aggression and have not contributed to the activities of the occupation authorities.

Lithuania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also proposed introducing a mandatory public declaration condemning Russian aggression and supporting Ukraine’s territorial integrity. Refusal to sign the declaration could serve as grounds for prohibiting an artist from carrying out professional activities in the country.

If parliament approves the amendments, the new restrictions are expected to take effect on January 1, 2027.