Sinkevičius says Lithuania’s threat level is unchanged, raises concern over Russian mobilisation

Lithuania’s threat level has not risen, but possible additional mobilisation in Russia is a concern, parliamentary National Security and Defence Committee chairman Rimantas Sinkevičius told ELTA on Thursday, LRT reported.

“The threat level has not increased as of today; it is always there,” Sinkevičius said. He said it was unclear how many troops might be mobilised in Russia or when.

Lithuania’s security situation is monitored continuously, and the committee receives updates on threat levels every two weeks, he said.

Sinkevičius also noted hybrid attacks from Belarus, including flights by smuggling balloons and drones straying into Lithuanian territory. He said these were not new developments.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Monday that Russia had begun a new mobilisation. Speculation about a new call-up had circulated for months, with reports suggesting it could make up for heavy Russian losses on the front in Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly rejected the possibility, according to the report.

Zelensky also said new information had emerged about North Korean troops in Russia. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said on Wednesday that there was no immediate threat to Alliance territory and that the threat level had not changed in recent weeks and months.

NATO’s eastern-flank countries have recently reported various Russian and Belarusian actions and incidents, including airspace violations and hybrid attacks. Lithuanian authorities say they are monitoring regional security.