ELTA Briefs: First Government Session, Warnings on Russian Provocations, Foxpay Case Postponed

Latvian President Edgar Rinkevičius visited Lithuania, where he and Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda announced plans for joint military exercises at the Sėlija training ground. The leaders also addressed concerns about potential Russian provocations. Rinkevičius warned that as Russia faces setbacks in Ukraine, the Kremlin might test NATO's Article 5 response mechanisms through indirect means. He stressed the need for both countries to be well-prepared for potential sabotage or hybrid attacks, noting that hybrid operations are already underway in the region.

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When Russia can no longer achieve any victories in the war against Ukraine, the Kremlin may try to indirectly test NATO's Article 5 response mechanisms.

Both presidents highlighted that combating illegal migration organized by the Belarusian regime should focus on protecting the European Union's external borders, rather than tightening internal Schengen border controls. They emphasized the importance of vigilance and strengthened cooperation among Lithuania, Latvia, and other allies in the face of ongoing hybrid operations.

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Our states must be extremely well-prepared for possible sabotage or hybrid attack incidents.

Meanwhile, the newly formed Lithuanian government, headed by Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius, convened for its inaugural session. Sinkevičius welcomed his ministerial colleagues and expressed satisfaction with the Seimas' approval of the government's program. He announced plans to develop an implementation plan for the government's agenda and expects tangible results from ministers over the summer.

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The main focus must be on protecting the European Union's external borders, not on tightening temporary internal border control within the Schengen area.

In other news, the Vilnius District Court granted the defense's request to postpone the trial of the criminal "Foxpay" case to September. Separately, the Chief Official Ethics Commission decided not to initiate an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the acquisition of an apartment in Palanga by the mother of Širvintų district mayor Živilė Pinskuvienė, and public procurement in Širvintai. The commission found no evidence of conflict of interest violations by the politician regarding public procurement contracts awarded to "Vilmsta."

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Now, an implementation plan for the provisions of the Government Program will be prepared.