Lithuanian military to secure LNG terminal and critical infrastructure amid Russian provocation warnings

Lithuania’s Defence Ministry has ordered the military to help secure the Klaipėda liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal and other critical infrastructure amid warnings of potential Russian provocations, LRT reports, citing BNS.

Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas signed the order on July 17, tasking the armed forces with reinforcing security at the LNG terminal, the LitPol Link power interconnection with Poland (Alytus substation and transformer station), and the Kruonis pumped-storage hydroelectric plant.

The military will provide support from July 19 to August 19, deploying up to 30 troops with transport, as well as a vessel with a crew. Operational details and specific tasks will be coordinated with the Public Security Service, which oversees critical infrastructure protection.

Recent public warnings from NATO’s eastern flank leaders, including Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda, have highlighted intelligence suggesting Russia may attempt kinetic provocations in their countries. Nausėda previously stated that Lithuania’s critical transport and energy infrastructure could be targeted using conventional or other means, such as sabotage.

Deividas Matulionis, the president’s senior national security advisor, told Žinių Radijas on Tuesday that in the event of a critical situation due to potential Russian provocations, NATO allies would deploy additional forces to Lithuania. Moscow’s alleged plans are linked to its struggles on the battlefield in Ukraine and a desire for a swift victory. The Kremlin has denied the accusations, calling them a pretext for militarisation against Russia.