Figure skater Margarita Drobyazko was deprived of Lithuanian citizenship

Figure skater Margarita Drobiazko was deprived of Lithuanian citizenship by order of the country’s President Gitanas Nausėda, reported portal of Lithuanian television and radio LRT.

“The President signed the decree,” the portal quotes the words of Rydas Jasyulenis, the representative of the President of Lithuania for public relations.

14 September Lithuanian Citizenship Commission suggested Nauseda to deprive Drobyazko, who lives in Russia, of her citizenship. The reason for the decision was a public expression of support for Russia, as well as the fact that the figure skater participated in ice shows sponsored by companies and individuals who were subject to sanctions. Lithuanian authorities also claim that Drobyazko maintains close professional and personal ties with Tatyana Navka, the wife of the press secretary of Russian President Dmitry Peskov.

In August 2022, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis called deprive Drobyazko of citizenship for her participation in Navka’s ice show in Sochi. In the same month Nausėda deprived figure skaters Margarita Drobiazko and Povilas Vanagas received state awards.

Drobyazko received Lithuanian citizenship 30 years ago as an exception to play for the Lithuanian national team.