Lithuania will stop funding housing rentals for some Ukrainian refugees

The Lithuanian power transmission system operator Litgrid has decided to stop covering the costs of housing rent and utilities for the families of Ukrenergo employees. 

LRT reports this, noting that the relevant measures were approved following a change in the company’s leadership in February. CEO Andrius Šemeškevičius emphasized that such support was voluntary and temporary in nature, despite the sensitivity of the issue.

Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, the company has spent over 200,000 euros annually on these needs. The operator’s former head, Rokas Masiulis, criticized this decision, recalling that refugees had previously been promised assistance until the end of the war. He noted that Ukrainian experts had provided Lithuania with important advice on infrastructure protection and assisted in the process of synchronizing the power grid with Europe.

Energy Minister Žygimantas Vaičiūnas and Litgrid’s current leadership assured that the total amount of support for Ukraine would not decrease. Officials emphasized the need to find balanced and long-term solutions that would not leave people without a roof over their heads. The company is currently considering options for further cooperation with Ukrainian families within the framework of new budget constraints.

Starting September 1, 2026, free public transportation in Vilnius will be available to Ukrainian refugees only upon presentation of a personalized “Ukrainian card.”

As a reminder, Lithuania is calling for pragmatic and mutually beneficial relations between the EU and the US.

Lithuania is also strengthening security on routes to Kaliningrad and planning new measures.