Lithuania’s Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius says his country will not back down if Russia attacks, even as officials quietly draw up contingency plans that include evacuating civilians from major cities.
In an interview with the BBC’s Newsnight program, Sinkevičius said Lithuanians live under a constant sense of threat, citing repeated drone incidents along the border. “We will fight back… we will engage,” he said, adding that authorities are preparing for a range of scenarios—some not publicly disclosed—such as moving elderly residents out of urban areas without causing traffic chaos.
Lithuania, a NATO member bordering the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad, has reported a string of what it calls “hybrid attacks,” which it blames on Belarus, Moscow’s close ally. Last week, NATO fighter jets shot down a drone that entered Lithuanian airspace, and flights were disrupted at Vilnius airport after balloon-like objects appeared near the runway.
Germany has pledged to permanently station a 5,000-strong combat brigade in Lithuania by 2027, though recruitment shortfalls have forced it to rely on compulsory postings. UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting praised the joint NATO response, saying the alliance remains ready to “defend every inch” of its territory.
Similar drone incursions have also affected Estonia and Latvia this year, incidents Ukraine attributes to Russian electronic warfare interference. You can read the full BBC report for more details.
Source: Lithuania ready to 'fight back' but has evacuation plans in face of Russia threats, PM tells BBC (feeds.bbci.co.uk).
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