„Through diplomatic efforts, we are also seeking to ensure that NATO and the EU initiate additional measures to protect and strengthen the resilience of critical infrastructure,“ the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in its response to ELTA.
„Diplomatic contacts between Lithuania and Russia are currently limited to the minimum necessary level. Lithuania is constantly lodging protests with Russia through diplomatic channels regarding its war crimes in Ukraine, and is also using this opportunity to refute Russian propaganda messages directed against Lithuania,“ the ministry emphasised.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs states that Lithuania aims to make use of current EU measures for the funding of member states’ defence.
Susiję straipsniai
„Lithuania, together with its allies and partners, is working consistently to strengthen the region’s resilience to hybrid threats – we are coordinating our actions more closely, exchanging information and enhancing situation monitoring. NATO has launched enhanced vigilance operations on its eastern flank – Baltic Guard is being conducted in the Baltic Sea to protect critical underwater infrastructure, Eastern Watch helps to strengthen airspace surveillance, protection and the Allies’ readiness to respond to various airborne threats, including unmanned aerial vehicles,“ the ministry explained.
„We aim to make use of EU instruments to fund Member States’ defence and preparedness to respond to military and hybrid threats. This was the main focus during the visit of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to Vilnius on 26 May. We are seeking to implement the EU’s Eastern Flank Watch initiative as soon as possible, which involves strengthening airspace surveillance, anti-drone systems, air defence, military mobility and situational awareness capabilities across the entire eastern flank, and accelerating the implementation of the European drone defence initiative,“ – emphasised the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
As reported, Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas stated that Lithuanian intelligence has information that Russia is considering possible provocations in the Baltic region. Still, no decision has yet been taken, and there are no specific dates. According to him, the Kremlin is considering carrying out attacks against critical infrastructure in the Baltic region.
The minister said there is a possibility that Russia could use Ukrainian drones for such operations. In such a case, this would be a so-called ‘false flag’ operation, where a state carries out a specific action but creates the impression that another country carried it out.
For their part, representatives of the President’s Office note that all relevant Lithuanian institutions are taking the necessary steps to prevent this.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius is reassuring the public that the state is preparing for possible scenarios.
Back in late July, it was announced that, following reports of possible Russian operations against the critical infrastructure of the Baltic states, Lithuania had stepped up security at strategic sites for an indefinite period. These sites include the liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal in Klaipėda, the LitPol Link electricity interconnector with Poland at the Alytus substation, a transformer substation in the Alytus district, and the Kruonis pumped-storage power station.
ELTA reports that, as Russian military forces have been diverting Ukrainian drones from their course, airspace violations have been recorded in the Baltic states and Finland for several months.
As the Ukrainian armed forces continue their drone attacks on Russian territory, the Kremlin is levelling accusations at the Baltic states, claiming that they are allowing their territory to be used strategically for military operations organised by Ukraine.