NATO Ready to Boost Forces in Lithuania Amid Russian Provocation Threat

Lithuania's presidential advisor, D. Matulionis, has issued a stark warning regarding the threat of Russian provocations, emphasizing that NATO is taking these concerns very seriously. He stated that if indicators point to a critical situation, additional forces and air defense capabilities would undoubtedly be allocated to Lithuania. Matulionis highlighted that Russian provocations could range from "false flag" operations, designed to blame Ukraine, to acts of sabotage.

He stressed that no country is immune to such threats, and nations actively supporting Ukraine face a heightened risk. "No one has immunity here. The threat is not only to our region but also to other states with very active ties supporting Ukraine," Matulionis said. He dismissed the possibility of a large-scale Russian military invasion into a NATO country as highly unlikely but confirmed that Lithuanian institutions are taking measures to prevent potential threats from materializing on its territory.

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We have warned, and the Alliance takes it very seriously. If all indicators truly showed that the situation is critical, then I have no doubt that additional forces and air defense capabilities would be allocated.

This warning follows recent statements by Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda, who indicated that data suggests Russia is planning selective kinetic operations against neighboring countries. In response, the Minister of National Defence, Arvydas Anušauskas, announced that Lithuania has enhanced the security of its strategic sites indefinitely. While Lithuanian intelligence signals increasing Kremlin aggression, no buildup of Russian forces at the border has been confirmed. The Ministry of the Interior had previously announced in June that Russia might be planning provocations against Baltic states' infrastructure, leading to reinforced security for critical facilities like bridges, power stations, and communication hubs.

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It is important to emphasize that no one has immunity here. The threat is not only to our region but also to other states with very active ties supporting Ukraine.