Lithuanian President Warns of Russian Provocations, Cites Military Limitations

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda has revealed that intelligence indicates Russia is planning "selective kinetic operations" against neighboring states, though he stressed Russia's current military limitations. "We have data that Russia is planning certain selective kinetic operations against neighboring countries," Nausėda stated in an interview with TV3 Žinios, emphasizing that these are not necessarily limited to Lithuania, Poland, or Estonia. However, he asserted that Russia is demonstrably incapable of conducting large-scale military operations on two fronts, citing its difficulties in Ukraine. "It is more than obvious that it lacks the capacity even for one front, in Ukraine," he added. Despite Russia's limitations, Nausėda warned that provocations remain possible, and Lithuania is actively preparing. "We are preparing for possible provocations," he confirmed. Following intelligence reports about threats to critical infrastructure, Lithuania has bolstered security around key energy and transport facilities, deploying the military to enhance protection. Nausėda also reiterated that any Russian aggression against a NATO member would trigger a robust response from the entire alliance. "If that were to happen – I hope it never does – it would mean not that Russia attacked one NATO country, but that Russia attacked all of NATO, with all the consequences that entails and a very serious and solid NATO response," the president stated. Earlier in June, Lithuania's Ministry of Interior had announced increased security measures for critical infrastructure sites in the Baltic states due to potential Russian provocations. The Ministry of National Defence confirmed that protection for bridges, power substations, gas supply systems, and communication hubs has been strengthened, with additional preventative plans developed to counter potential Kremlin actions. The U.S. has also reportedly warned Warsaw about potential limited Russian military provocations against Poland in the coming months, a report that Poland's Foreign Minister acknowledged as likely accurate.

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We have data that Russia is planning certain selective kinetic operations against neighboring countries.