Lithuanian military warns of Russian efforts to exploit societal divisions

The Lithuanian armed forces have stated that a divided society is a key objective for Russia, urging citizens not to contribute to internal fractures, the public broadcaster LRT reported on Thursday.

In a statement addressing recent security incidents—including a drone crash in Varėna district—military officials confirmed that the current threat level in Lithuania remains unchanged. However, they emphasised that intensified hostilities between Russia and Ukraine have increased the likelihood of stray drones or similar incidents in neighbouring states.

The military explained that Ukraine has been targeting Russian oil refineries and storage facilities to disrupt Moscow’s war funding, relying on combat drones that Russia attempts to counter with electronic warfare. Some of these drones, after being jammed, deviate off course and may end up in nearby territories, including the Baltics.

While Lithuania currently possesses standard air defence systems like NASAMS and RBS to intercept drones, officials noted these are costly solutions designed for aircraft and missiles. Dedicated anti-drone systems, they said, must be more affordable and deployed in greater numbers. Additional radars and weaponry have already been procured to strengthen defences, though delivery timelines remain unavoidable.

The statement also highlighted Lithuania’s military progress since 2019, when its primary armoured vehicle was an M113 transporter with a mounted heavy machine gun. Today, the armed forces include mechanised battalions, 155mm artillery, and medium-range air defence.

Reiterating that no unusual Russian or Belarusian troop movements have been detected, the military underscored that societal unity remains critical. “A divided society is Russia’s desired outcome—we should not aid them in achieving it,” the statement concluded.