Public sentiment in Lithuania toward migrants from Belarus and Russia has worsened significantly over the past two years, according to new findings from the Lithuanian Institute of Sociology.
Currently, 23% of Lithuanians say they would not want to live next to Belarusian nationals, up from 18% two years ago. Attitudes toward Russian neighbors have shifted even more sharply, with 42% now expressing opposition—an increase from 35%.
In contrast, perceptions of Ukrainians have remained relatively stable: 10% of respondents oppose their presence in Lithuania, a slight change from 12% in 2023.
The workplace mirrors this pattern. Resistance to working alongside Belarusians has grown from 12% to 20%, while opposition to Russian colleagues rose from 26% to 39%. Views on Ukrainian workers have held steady, with just 8% voicing objections.
Lithuanians remain split over the issue of political asylum:
49% are against accepting political refugees, while 44% support it, and 7% remain undecided.
