Lithuania expels three Ukrainians over alleged work for foreign intelligence services
Lithuania has expelled three Ukrainian citizens accused of carrying out paid assignments for hostile foreign intelligence services, the country's State Security Department (VSD) announced on November 4, according to Lithuanian public broadcaster LRT.
The three individuals had previously been classified as threats to national security, and their temporary residence permits were revoked. They were also banned from entering Lithuania for five years.
According to the VSD, the Ukrainians received assignments and communicated with their alleged handlers through Telegram and other messaging platforms in exchange for payment.
The agency did not identify the foreign intelligence services involved or specify the nature of the assignments.
Lithuanian intelligence warned that foreign agencies increasingly use social media and messaging apps to recruit people abroad because the method is inexpensive and allows them to reach a large number of potential recruits.
The VSD added that recruiters typically shift the risks and potential consequences of such activities onto those carrying out the assignments.