Lithuanian president urges calm amid border fortification and defense challenges

Nexus Europa Newsroom
Posted Oct 18, 2026, 02:30 AM UTC · In the digest of 2026-10-18-0230
Lithuanian president urges calm amid border fortification and defense challenges
Photo: 15min

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda has urged citizens not to fear increased border fortification while addressing national security and defense ministry challenges.

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda has called on citizens to remain calm as military presence and fortification efforts increase along the border with Russia. Nausėda stated that "it is better to take additional security measures in good time to prevent risks than to react belatedly."

Beyond border preparations, the president outlined several broader national security concerns. He acknowledged shortcomings in Lithuania's air defense capabilities and reported delays in joint drone manufacturing initiatives with Ukraine. Nausėda also referenced internal friction between the Ministry of National Defense and military leadership, while warning that a recent scandal involving a defense ministry social gathering would cause lasting damage to public trust.

Sources: 15min, LSM

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