Lithuania extends enhanced protection for critical infrastructure

Lithuania will extend enhanced protection for critical infrastructure objects until the end of the year, LRT reported, citing the Ministry of National Defence.

The decision was approved by Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas. “We are extending the protection of critical infrastructure objects as a precaution. We reviewed the measures in place, discussed them with the Ministry of the Interior and decided to extend the protection. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and will suspend the enhanced protection if it is no longer needed,” Kaunas said in a statement.

Earlier this month, Kaunas said Lithuanian intelligence had information that Russia was considering possible provocations in the Baltic region, including attacks on critical infrastructure. He said Ukrainian drones could be used in such operations to imitate a so-called false flag operation.

Lithuania strengthened protection of strategic objects at the end of July after reports of possible Russian operations against critical infrastructure in the Baltic states. The protected facilities include the liquefied natural gas terminal in Klaipėda, the LitPol Link electricity connection with Poland, a transformer substation in Alytus District and the Kruonis pumped-storage hydropower plant.

The protection had previously been extended until August 19. Airspace violations have also been recorded for several months in the Baltic states and Finland after Russian forces diverted Ukrainian drones from their course. As Ukrainian forces continue drone attacks on Russian territory, the Kremlin has accused the Baltic states of allowing their territory to be used for Ukrainian military operations.