Lithuanian president defends border deployment and addresses defense gaps

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda has urged citizens not to panic following increased military deployments along the country's border with Russia, characterising the measures as necessary preventative precautions. Speaking on national security, Nausėda emphasized that "it is better to observe even excessive caution" to deter potential provocations rather than reacting after an incident occurs.

Beyond border monitoring, the president acknowledged broader national defense vulnerabilities, admitting that Lithuania's air defense capabilities remain imperfect and pointing to delays in joint drone manufacturing initiatives with Ukraine. Nausėda also expressed deep frustration over recent internal controversies within the Ministry of National Defence, warning that reputational damage to the armed forces could persist. Additionally, he called for stronger civil emergency preparedness in the wake of recent severe storms.

Sources: 15min, LSM.