Lithuania Imposes Sanctions Amid Rising Russian Threats

• •Lithuania has sanctioned Russian billionaires Usmanov and Fridman for five years.
• •General Jenkins warns of potential Russian miscalculations in the Baltics.
• •NATO must show strength to deter Russian aggression amid ongoing tensions.

Lithuania has imposed national sanctions on Russian billionaires Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman, effective from September 25, 2026. This decision follows the European Union's removal of these individuals from its sanctions list, which Lithuania deemed insufficient given the ongoing geopolitical tensions. The sanctions prevent both billionaires from entering Lithuania for five years. Concurrently, British General Gwyn Jenkins expressed concerns about potential Russian miscalculations in the Baltics, emphasizing the need for NATO to demonstrate strength to deter aggression. Jenkins noted that while Russia is currently focused on its war in Ukraine, its unpredictable behavior poses risks of escalation in the region. Lithuania is also preparing for possible attacks and has begun testing air raid sirens as part of its defense readiness.