Lithuania to strengthen boarder security as Russia, Belarus will hold joint military exercises
(MENAFN) Lithuania announced on Wednesday that it is increasing border security and deploying additional forces as Russia and Belarus prepare for joint military exercises scheduled in September.
Rustamas Liubajevas, commander of the State Border Guard Service (VSAT), said Lithuanian forces are taking precautionary steps ahead of the biennial Zapad drills. “With the Zapad drills approaching, we have plans to strengthen (border security), deploy additional personnel to the external borders, and take certain actions in cooperation with other institutions, the Lithuanian military, and the police,” Liubajevas stated.
He emphasized that border guards are ready for potential provocations. “The plan for preparing for the exercises has been approved and is being successfully implemented. Lithuanian border guards are currently ready for any provocations at our border,” he added.
Liubajevas noted that the reinforced security regime has been in place since 2021, saying, “We haven’t had much opportunity or possibility to reduce our vigilance at our external borders.”
Lithuania’s Defense Ministry reported that up to 30,000 troops are expected to participate in this year’s drills, a significant decrease compared with the roughly 200,000 soldiers involved in the 2021 Zapad exercises, which occurred just months before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
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