Lithuania proposes recognizing Russian intelligence as a terrorist organization

On Friday, the head of the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kestutis Budrys, proposed that the European Union consider designating Russian intelligence as a terrorist organization. As he emphasized in a conversation with journalists, such a step would not be merely a political gesture, but above all a concrete legal instrument that would enable the introduction of stricter financial sanctions and other restrictions against Russia.

Legal and political consequences

Budrys pointed out that designating a given organization as a terrorist entity carries serious legal consequences. These include, among other things, the tightening of financial oversight, the introduction of control systems, as well as the restriction of contacts with such an entity.

This is not only a political signal, but also a very concrete legal instrument, which is why we need to talk about this at the EU level – stressed the Lithuanian minister.

Russian aggression

In recent weeks, European intelligence services have been increasingly warning that the Russian invasion of Ukraine is spilling over into the territory of European Union and NATO member states.