Lithuanian Advisor Urges Calm Over Potential Russian Provocations

Lithuania's presidential advisor, Mindaugas Česnulevičius, has urged for calm amidst reports that Russia is considering provocations in the Baltic region, potentially using Ukrainian drones as a cover. He emphasized that planning is a constant process, akin to breathing, and only becomes significant when a decision is made to implement a plan.

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When it is said that one side or the other is planning some actions, planning is always happening. It is like breathing. (...) Until a decision is made to implement the plan, it (planning) is simply a necessary condition.

Česnulevičius stated that Lithuania is actively preparing for such threats. Various institutions have coordinated additional measures to protect critical infrastructure. This includes the State Border Guard Service, the Public Security Service, the Ministry of the Interior, and the Ministry of National Defence working with the army. They have identified potentially vulnerable objects and reviewed procedures to determine necessary reinforcements.

He also highlighted that newly acquired assets will be integrated into the state's defense system. "In any case, decisions have long been made regarding integrated air defense, and as new equipment, new weaponry, or other means are acquired, they will be further integrated into the defense not only of specific objects but of Lithuania as a whole," Česnulevičius explained.

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For starters, perhaps we should calm down a little.

Regarding the potential acquisition of drone interception systems, Česnulevičius could not confirm if Lithuania had received prototype interceptors. He noted that such prototypes are expected by late summer or autumn, according to the Commander of the Lithuanian Armed Forces. If prototypes are received, they would undergo testing, with the results presented to state leaders.

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In any case, decisions have long been made regarding integrated air defense, and as new equipment, new weaponry, or other means are acquired, they will be further integrated into the defense not only of specific objects but of Lithuania as a whole.

Česnulevičius also addressed Lithuania's potential response to a provocation, citing an incident in Leipzig as an example. He stressed that any incident must first be thoroughly investigated. "We are a state of law, and within NATO itself, there are procedures; evidence must be presented," he said. Only after determining that a hostile state was responsible would Lithuania consider further actions, including consultations with allies.

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An incident must first be investigated. (...) We are a state of law, and within NATO itself, there are procedures; evidence must be presented.