Lithuania Prepares Response to Potential Russian Provocations, Cites 'Desperation' in Kremlin

Lithuania is bolstering its defenses and critical infrastructure protection amid concerns over potential Russian provocations. Defense Minister Robertas Kaunas announced that the country has intensified security measures for bridges, power substations, gas facilities, and communication hubs.

"We have preventively strengthened the protection of critical infrastructure, which we have already carried out," Kaunas stated. "At the same time, we are developing additional plans and possible response measures to various provocations. These provocations can be hybrid in nature – from the appearance of so-called 'little green men' to drone incursions and various forms of sabotage. We are carefully assessing, monitoring, and supervising all of this, and striving to prevent it."

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Russia poses a threat to Europe.

Kaunas asserted that "Russia poses a threat to Europe" and emphasized the need to continue strengthening European defense capabilities, particularly air defense in Eastern Europe. He also addressed Russian accusations that Lithuania and other Baltic states allow Ukrainian drones to transit their airspace, calling these claims "completely untrue."

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We have preventively strengthened the protection of critical infrastructure, which we have already carried out. At the same time, we are developing additional plans and possible response measures to various provocations. These provocations can be hybrid in nature – from the appearance of so-called 'little green men' to drone incursions and various forms of sabotage. We are carefully assessing, monitoring, and supervising all of this, and striving to prevent it.

The Lithuanian defense minister observed that Russia is not winning the war in Ukraine, noting the increasing number of Ukrainian drones reaching Moscow and fuel shortages within Russia. He suggested that Russian President Vladimir Putin faces growing difficulty explaining the war's presence on Russian territory, which undermines the narrative of Russian victory. "This is precisely why a sense of desperation is growing in the Kremlin, and we are now witnessing this desperation," Kaunas said.

Lithuania's proactive stance reflects broader regional concerns about Russian aggression. The government's focus on hybrid threats and robust defense planning underscores its commitment to national security and regional stability in the face of ongoing geopolitical tensions.

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Now we see that Russia is clearly not winning the war in Ukraine. More and more Ukrainian drones are reaching Moscow itself, Russia is even lacking ordinary gasoline at gas stations, and it is becoming increasingly difficult for Vladimir Putin to explain to citizens why the war has reached Russian territory. This is undermining the myth that Russia can win in Ukraine. Probably precisely because of this, a sense of desperation is growing in the Kremlin, and we are now witnessing this desperation.