Lithuania Appoints Interim Border Guard Chief After Commander's Dismissal Amid Migrant Incident Reports

Donatas Škarnulis has been appointed as the interim head of Lithuania's State Border Guard Service (VSAT), stepping in after the government dismissed Rustamas Liubajevas. The decision follows Liubajevas's resignation, which he stated was a response to public doubts about the service and a sense of responsibility for its successes and failures.

Liubajevas's departure comes after media reports surfaced detailing an alleged physical confrontation between border guards and migrants near the Belarusian border. Reports suggested a Lithuanian officer was injured and nearly dragged into Belarus. Interior Minister Agne Bilotaite had previously stated that if these reports were confirmed, she would see no possibility for Liubajevas to continue in his role.

Škarnulis, a colonel, previously served as the deputy commander of VSAT. His career in law enforcement and security spans over two decades, including roles in the State Security Department and various leadership positions within the border guard service, most recently heading its Criminal Investigation Department. He was appointed deputy commander in January of the previous year and received his colonel rank at the beginning of 2024.

Liubajevas, who was appointed VSAT commander in 2019 and reappointed for a second term in 2024, had received several state awards for his service. His resignation has sparked discussion among opposition members regarding potential pressure from the Interior Ministry.

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I made the decision to step down in response to doubts expressed in the public sphere about the service and feeling responsible both for the institution's successes and failures.