Lithuanian president defends border reinforcement amid national security review

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda has urged citizens not to fear the deployment of additional troops along the country's border with Russia, calling the action a necessary preventive measure. Speaking in a wide-ranging interview, Nausėda stated that "it is better to observe even excessive caution" than to respond after an incident occurs.

The president acknowledged several national security challenges, including gaps in air defense capabilities and delays in joint drone production efforts with Ukraine. Nausėda also addressed internal tensions between the Ministry of National Defense and military leadership, expressing frustration over a controversy regarding a ministry social event that he warned could cause long-term reputational damage. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of timely risk management to prevent potential border provocations.

Sources: 15min, LSM