The Lithuanian government has extended temporary protection for Ukrainians fleeing the war until March 4, 2028. At the same time, an additional condition is being introduced for people who are subject to military service in Ukraine.
This was reported by LRT.
Under the government decision, if a person is subject to military service obligations in Ukraine, they will have to provide proof that they have fulfilled those obligations or documents confirming legal grounds for leaving the country.
Such proof may include lawful crossing of the Ukrainian border when leaving the country, an exit stamp in the passport, an official document confirming exemption from military service, or a document confirming completion of military service.
The new requirement will not apply to Ukrainians who were granted temporary protection in any European Union country before August 4, 2026 and have continuously maintained that status.
An exception is also provided for those who applied for temporary protection in Lithuania before August 4 but whose application had not yet been decided at that time.
Previously, residence permits based on temporary protection in Lithuania were valid until March 4, 2027. They will now be issued or extended until March 4, 2028.
According to Lithuania’s Ministry of the Interior, as of the beginning of September, more than 52,000 people held valid residence permits based on temporary protection.
The EU introduced the temporary protection mechanism for Ukrainians after Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022. It provides the right to reside, work, receive social and medical assistance, and access other services in EU countries.
