Lithuania’s position regarding Russian and Belarusian athletes in international sports competitions remains unchanged
The Ministry of Education, Science and Sport strongly condemns the decisions by international sports organisations and sports federations to ease restrictions on representatives from Russia and Belarus. As the war against Ukraine continues, such actions are beyond reality, undermine the fundamental values of sports, and send a wrong signal to the world.
Recognising the complexity of the situation, the Ministry suggests that Lithuanian athletes do not to boycott internetional competitions abroad. By withdrawing, they would not only risk being sanctioned but also lose their cherished professional aspirations and the opportunity to compete in events they have been training for over the course of several years.
The withdrawal of our athletes from tournaments would also result in paving the way to victories for the aggressors’ representatives. We support the principle followed by Ukrainian athletes to compete on the sports field. Yet, Lithuania’s principled position remains unchanged: athletes from Russia and Belarus must not participate in any international competitions while the war is ongoing.
The recommendations of the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport to national sports federations and organisations to refrain from inviting or admitting athletes from aggressor countries to competitions held in Lithuania remain unchanged. If athletes from these countries were to participate in the competition, they would first have to sign an official declaration unequivocally condemning the hostilities and expressing support for Ukraine. At international competitions held in Lithuania, athletes from Russia and Belarus would not be allowed to display the flags, symbols, or any distinguishing marks of their countries.
The Ministry of Education, Science and Sport has submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to amend the Law on Imposing Restrictive Measures Regarding the Military Aggression Against Ukraine by including a provision prohibiting citizens of Russia and Belarus from arriving at and participating in sporting and academic events organised in Lithuania.
Lithuania, along with eight other European countries, also appealed to the European Commission, urging it to review and restrict financial support and other forms of support for those international sports organisations that are lenient toward Russia and Belarus.
Last updated: 08-09-2026
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