Lithuanian president calls for proactive border defense amid security concerns

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda has urged the public to view increased military deployment near the border with Russia as a necessary precaution rather than a cause for alarm. Speaking in an interview, Nausėda emphasized that early preparation is key to preventing potential provocations, remarking that "it is better to observe even excessive caution" than to react after an incident occurs.

Nausėda also addressed several challenges within the national defense sector, acknowledging that Lithuania's air defense remains imperfect and citing delays in joint drone manufacturing initiatives with Ukraine. Additionally, he voiced concern over internal friction between defense leadership and warned that a recent controversy surrounding a defense ministry social gathering could cause long-lasting reputational damage.

Sources: 15min, LSM