Lithuanian border guards reportedly deported a 68-year-year-old surveyor, Igor Odintsov, to Russia, where he was subsequently sentenced to six years in a strict-regime penal colony. Odintsov had reportedly sought political asylum in Lithuania after crossing the Neman River, stating he was fleeing potential prosecution in Russia for justifying terrorism.

Odintsov reportedly swam across the Neman River in September to avoid prosecution under Article 205.2 of the Russian Criminal Code. He claims Lithuanian officials questioned him for hours, including those from the State Security Department, but did not provide an opportunity to formally apply for asylum. The head of Lithuania's Interior Ministry confirmed Odintsov had sought asylum, but the border guard service stated his request was "unclear." EU rules allow for oral requests for international protection at the border. Odintsov also recalled traveling to Vilnius in 1991 to support Lithuanian independence during a Soviet military assault on the TV tower, which resulted in 14 civilian deaths and hundreds wounded.