Lithuania's government has approved a proposal to bar Russian and Belarusian artists who worked in occupied Ukrainian territories or backed the war from performing in the country.
On 30 September, Lithuania's government approved a Foreign Ministry proposal to bar Russian and Belarusian artists and cultural figures from performing in the country if they worked in occupied or annexed Ukrainian territories, or directly or indirectly supported Russia's war against Ukraine. Volunteers Support Ukraine sums up the key points of the initiative.
Those not automatically covered by the ban would have to sign a public declaration condemning Russian aggression and backing Ukraine's territorial integrity. Anyone who refuses could not work or perform in Lithuania. An exception is planned for people who clearly acted against aggression, occupation or annexation, publicly opposed them, and whose activities objectively did not serve the interests of the occupying authorities.
This is an amendment that the Seimas must still approve. If parliament backs it, the rules would take effect on 1 January 2027. Media reports note that signing the declaration could expose Russian citizens to prosecution at home, and that the proposal does not define what counts as "support" for the war. Until now, Lithuania has handled such cases individually, barring selected artists.
Cultural events can become a tool of propaganda, so partner countries' decisions on who may perform are part of wider support for Ukraine. NGO Volunteers Support Ukraine keeps helping people affected by the war in whatever way its available resources allow.
