Lithuanian presidential advisor targeted by Russian pranksters Vovan and Lexus

Deividas Matulionis, senior advisor to Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda, was targeted by Russian pranksters Vovan and Lexus, who impersonated Rustem Umerov, former Ukrainian defense minister and head of the National Security and Defense Council, in a phone call discussing recent drone incidents in the Baltic states, LRT reports.

The eight-minute recording, published on the pranksters’ channels, features a conversation between Matulionis, his Estonian counterpart Madis Rolas (advisor to President Alar Karis on security and defense), and the impersonators. The discussion centered on drone incursions allegedly caused by off-course Ukrainian drones.

Matulionis expressed Lithuania’s support for Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory while noting concerns over recent drone violations of Lithuanian airspace. He emphasized Lithuania’s efforts to avoid criticism of Ukraine and warned that Russia could exploit such incidents for provocation.

He also raised the possibility of Ukrainian assistance in strengthening Lithuania’s air defense and counter-drone capabilities, acknowledging gaps in current preparedness. “We are trying to purchase several low-altitude radars, but the procurement is not yet complete. We have already received a few and are considering their deployment. As far as I know, we are slightly behind Latvia, which has already installed such systems,” Matulionis said.

During the call, the pranksters also spoke with Rolas, probing Estonia’s stance on Ukrainian-caused disruptions. They claimed their target was near St. Petersburg, prompting Rolas to respond, “We know you are making efforts to ensure drones do not enter our airspace. Thank you for that.” The pranksters later manipulated this remark, with Russian propagandist Vladimir Solovyov falsely claiming Estonia intended to help Ukraine attack St. Petersburg.

Matulionis confirmed the call took place but doubted it was a prank. “Yes, it’s true, but I doubt it was an attempt by pranksters. In my personal opinion, this was an attempt by Russian services. Everything was done very professionally, apparently using artificial intelligence to mimic Umerov’s voice—I know him, so I was almost convinced I was speaking with Umerov,” he said.

Vovan and Lexus are known for targeting politicians worldwide. Last year, they impersonated Russian opposition figure Leonid Volkov in a call with Lithuanian conservative MP Žygimantas Pavilionis. Umerov himself warned of attempts to misuse his name in late May.