Katelynas seeks extended military border patrols near Kaliningrad

Lithuanian Interior Minister Martynas Katelynas has asked Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas to extend the use of troops to strengthen border protection near the Kaliningrad region, LRT reported.

Katelynas said he hoped the deployment would be extended until early November. Troops are currently due to remain at the border until October 16.

Up to 100 troops are expected to continue supporting border protection for now, although the number may change according to operational needs. Katelynas said the State Border Guard Service would assess requirements and coordinate with the Defence Ministry and military leadership.

The decision to reinforce the border was announced last week. Katelynas said it followed an incident in which a group of migrants accompanied by armed people tried to cross illegally from Belarus into Latvia, as well as the wider regional security situation and indications that Russia might announce mobilisation.

The deployment was initially planned to last two weeks, but its duration and the number of troops may be adjusted as circumstances change.