Lithuania expels three Ukrainians over hostile intelligence tasks

Lithuania has expelled three Ukrainian citizens accused of carrying out tasks for hostile countries’ intelligence services, the Lithuanian public broadcaster LRT reported, citing the State Security Department (VSD).

The department said the three had been declared threats to national security and their temporary residence permits revoked. They have been barred from returning to Lithuania for five years.

According to the VSD, the Ukrainians were paid to carry out a broad range of tasks assigned through Telegram and other messaging platforms.

The department said hostile intelligence services often recruit people abroad through messaging and social media platforms, a method it described as easy to implement, capable of reaching many potential agents and requiring few resources. It added that the services leave those carrying out tasks to bear the risks and do not look after their safety.