Presidential adviser urges calm over possible Russian provocations

Information that Russia may be planning provocations against critical infrastructure does not mean the attacks will take place, Lithuanian presidential national security adviser Marius Česnulevičius said, according to LRT.

Speaking to Žinių radijas on Tuesday, Česnulevičius said planning was a normal part of every state’s activities and that people should “calm down a little” in response to such reports.

He was commenting on Lithuanian military intelligence information that Russia was considering attacks against critical infrastructure in the Baltic region, possibly using Ukrainian drones to disguise its involvement.

Česnulevičius said Lithuania was already preparing for such threats. Various institutions have agreed on additional measures to protect critical infrastructure facilities, including the State Border Guard Service, the Public Security Service, the Interior Ministry and the Defence Ministry together with the military.

Authorities have identified facilities that could be more vulnerable or whose disruption could have a greater impact, and are reviewing procedures and possible reinforcements, he said.

Newly acquired equipment and weapons will also be integrated into the country’s security system. Česnulevičius said decisions had already been taken on integrated airspace defence, and that new capabilities would be incorporated into protection not only for specific facilities but across Lithuania.

Lithuania awaits tests of drone interception systems

Česnulevičius could not confirm whether Lithuania had already received prototype interceptor systems designed to stop drones. Army Commander Raimundas Vaikšnoras previously said the prototypes were expected by the end of summer or in autumn.

Česnulevičius said he would need to consult the military before answering precisely. Once received, the prototype would first be tested, with the results presented to the country’s leaders. If necessary, further decisions could also be referred to the State Defence Council.

Incident would have to be investigated first

Asked what response Lithuania could expect from its NATO allies if such a provocation occurred, Česnulevičius said the incident would first have to be investigated and its perpetrators identified.

He cited an incident in Leipzig as an example, saying that evidence would have to show whether a hostile state was responsible before Lithuania could consider further action, including consultations with allies.

“We are a state governed by the rule of law, and NATO also has procedures. Evidence must be provided,” he said.

According to Česnulevičius, only after establishing that an incident resulted from a hostile state’s decision could Lithuania consider requesting consultations. He said a serious incident would require careful preparation to defend Lithuania’s position, present the established facts and make decisions based on them.

LRT reported that Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas said in early August that Lithuanian intelligence had information about possible Russian provocations in the Baltic region, including attacks against critical infrastructure.