In 2024, Lithuania has experienced a significant increase in young people voluntarily enlisting for military service.
According to Delfi and Lithuania's LRT broadcaster, this October alone saw more than 1,300 Lithuanians opting for voluntary service—a 42% increase from last year.
Additionally, over 500 young people have been deemed fit and are now awaiting their draft.
New Ban on Dual Citizens
In light of the shifting security landscape, Lithuania plans to prohibit individuals with Russian or Belarusian citizenship from serving in the army.
Proposed legislative amendments from the Lithuanian Defense Minister and the chair of the National Security and Defense Committee would disallow citizens holding dual Russian or Belarusian nationality from participating in any form of military service, whether professional, volunteer, or conscripted.
Defense Minister Laurynas Kasčiūnas emphasized that the new restrictions aim to protect national security.
“Such individuals could, even unintentionally, pose a risk to the defense of Lithuania due to connections with adversarial states,” he said. The law would also discharge any active servicemen who acquire Russian or Belarusian citizenship while in service.
With tensions heightened in Eastern Europe, Lithuania’s citizens are showing increased willingness to support the nation’s security efforts.
