Minister urges more border forces after Kremlin sabotage

Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys said the response to Kremlin-organised sabotage should include deploying additional forces along the border and increasing support for Ukraine, LRT reported.

His comments came after Russia allegedly attempted to carry out a “hybrid attack” at a German airport in August using a drone loaded with explosives. Budrys told Žinių radijas on Thursday that failing to respond would encourage further actions.

“If you do not respond, it means you are soft and that people can do whatever they want to you,” Budrys said, arguing that Europe should respond firmly rather than avoid action for fear of escalation.

He said additional forces should be deployed along the border to demonstrate that the sabotage attacks and alleged acts of terror being organised in Europe would draw a response. He added that the response should not involve carrying out similar operations in Russia, but should include increasing aid to Ukraine and pushing those responsible out of Europe.

Budrys also said some European countries should restrict the issuing of visas to Russian citizens. He said the arrival of Russians in Europe for tourism was directly connected to the war, even if some countries viewed their spending in European restaurants and resorts as unrelated to the conflict.

BNS reported that Berlin had blamed Moscow for an incident at Leipzig Airport the previous week. The European Union said the incident bore all the hallmarks of “state-sponsored terrorism”. EU countries are considering new sanctions in response.

The 21st package of sanctions has harmed Russia’s economy, but analysts say its deterrent effect remains limited.