Lithuania moves to block possible Russian provocations

Lithuanian institutions are taking necessary measures to prevent possible Russian provocations in the Baltic region, the Presidential Office told LRT on Thursday.

The statement followed reports that military intelligence had information indicating Russia was considering possible provocations in the Baltic states. Additional measures to protect critical infrastructure were introduced in May after a meeting of the State Defence Council, representatives of President Gitanas Nauseda said.

The council urged the Lithuanian Armed Forces and the Public Security Service to continue strengthening airspace defence, with priority given to anti-drone measures and the protection of critical infrastructure.

NATO partners have been informed about Russia’s considerations regarding possible provocations in the Baltic region, according to the Presidential Office. Lithuanian services are monitoring the situation and regularly briefing the president, who was last provided with information a week ago.

Nauseda is currently working remotely from Madeira, an island in Portugal, until August 10.

Military intelligence has reportedly obtained information that Russia is considering attacks on critical infrastructure in the Baltic region using Ukrainian-made drones. The 15min news portal was the first to report the information.

According to 15min, Russia could use intercepted Ukrainian drones to mislead observers about the source of an attack and deny targeting NATO territory. This would constitute a false flag operation, in which one state carries out an action while creating the impression that another state was responsible.

Lithuania has also indefinitely strengthened protection of strategic facilities, including the liquefied natural gas terminal in Klaipeda, the LitPol Link electricity connection with Poland at the Alytus substation, a transformer substation in Alytus district and the Kruonis pumped-storage hydropower plant.

Airspace violations have been recorded in the Baltic states and Finland for several months as Russian forces divert Ukrainian drones from their course. As Ukraine continues drone attacks on Russian territory, the Kremlin has accused the Baltic states of allowing their territory to be used for Ukrainian military operations.