"Controversial Residency Strips and Withheld Medicine: Tensions Rise in Eastern Europe"

Lithuania has revoked the residency permits of over 100 Russians living in the country, citing security concerns and "disloyal views." The number of Russians applying for residency permits in Lithuania has doubled since 2021, with many seeking refuge from the rule of Russian President Vladimir Putin and the fallout of the Ukraine war. The Lithuanian State Security Department expelled a Russian citizen, citing his "disloyal views towards Lithuania" and connections to Russian and Belarusian intelligence services. Lithuania, a staunch ally of Ukraine, is concerned about security risks but also faces a dilemma in supporting opponents of Putin and Lukashenko. The country has banned tourist visits from Russia and sent surveys to Russian citizens living in Lithuania, asking about their views on Crimea and the war.