VSD chief Bridikis says adversary is growing more aggressive

Lithuania’s State Security Department (VSD) chief Remigijus Bridikis has warned that the country’s adversary is becoming increasingly aggressive, with its rhetoric also intensifying, LRT reports.

“The adversary is testing us, looking for weaknesses. On the other hand, we must build our resilience and not yield to the tensions they create. The moment we give in, new vulnerabilities will emerge, and the pressure will only grow,” Bridikis told journalists at the Seimas on Tuesday.

He noted that the adversary’s methods are changing, becoming more direct. “Previously, perhaps the approaches were more moderate. As a security service, we, together with other institutions, have done a lot to counter and block these threats. Now we see that these measures are indeed evolving,” Bridikis said.

He urged against fear, emphasising the need to objectively recognise the necessity of strengthening resilience—from civil defence to reinforcing criminal intelligence, consistent public preparedness, and other measures.

His remarks follow recent warnings from the Interior Ministry that Russia may be planning malicious actions or provocations against critical infrastructure in the Baltic states. In response, authorities have taken additional steps to bolster security at key sites.

Interior Minister Vladislavas Kondratovičius stated that Russia could seek to escalate regional tensions through such actions. “We are closely monitoring the situation and strengthening our preparedness and the protection of critical infrastructure objects,” he said.

Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas added that security would be enhanced for strategic sites such as bridges, power substations, gas supply systems, and communication nodes. The VST (Volunteer Forces) will ensure strengthened physical protection, with the Lithuanian military providing support if needed.