Unions view Liubajevas's resignation positively, propose changes to weapon use policy

Lithuanian trade unions have positively assessed the resignation of Rustamas Liubajevas, the chief of the State Border Guard Service (VSAT), following a recent border incident. The unions stated that Liubajevas's departure is a correct step given VSAT's alleged failure to manage a dangerous situation effectively.

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VSAT failed to properly manage a dangerous situation, so the commander's resignation is the right step. However, one resignation will not solve the system's problems. This incident showed that VSAT needs fundamental, not cosmetic, changes.

However, leaders emphasized that the resignation is not a panacea for the service's deep-seated problems. Kęstutis Pauliukas, chairman of the Lithuanian Trade Union of Internal Affairs Employees (LRITĮPS), stressed the need for fundamental, not cosmetic, changes within VSAT. He called for an evaluation of officers' preparedness for dangerous situations, their operational algorithms, and the chain of command and information transfer.

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We hope the interior minister has enough backbone and political will to complete the investigation to the end, name the problems, and take real action. Not to find the guilty, but to become stronger. In the current security situation, Lithuania needs a professional border guard service prepared for any provocation.

Vitalijus Jagminas, head of the Lithuanian Trade Union of Employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (VAITĮPS), specifically highlighted the need to review and urgently amend the regulations concerning the use of service weapons. He argued that officers must be certain they have the full right to use their firearms in dangerous or extreme circumstances. Both union leaders urged the Interior Minister to ensure the ongoing investigation into the incident is completed thoroughly, regardless of Liubajevas's departure, to identify issues and implement real changes for a stronger border protection service.

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First of all, it is necessary to properly assess the actions of the VSAT deputy commanders, the head of Criminal Intelligence, the commander of the Varėna detachment, and, most importantly, the commander of the Kapčiamiestis outpost in this situation, and then review various regulations governing officers' service.

The incident, reported by news portal "Lrytas," allegedly involved illegal migrants attacking border guards near the Belarusian border in late July, with one guard reportedly being dragged towards Belarus. Following these reports, Interior Minister Martynas Katelynas had stated that if the information was confirmed, he would see no possibility for Liubajevas to continue in his post. The resignation was announced shortly after.

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I am talking, for example, about the procedure for the use of a service weapon. It must be changed as soon as possible so that our officers know for sure that in dangerous or extreme situations they have the full right to use their weapon.