Lithuanian president urges calm as border security measures ramp up

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda has called for calm following the deployment of additional military forces along the border with Russia, stressing that early preparation is vital to counter potential provocations. In a broad interview, Nausėda defended the proactive security steps, arguing that taking precautionary measures beforehand is far preferable to reacting after an incident occurs.

Beyond border security, the president addressed broader national defense challenges, acknowledging gaps in Lithuania's air defense infrastructure and delays in joint drone production efforts with Ukraine. Nausėda also voiced concern over internal friction within the defense establishment, including controversies at the Ministry of National Defence that he warned could inflict lasting reputational damage. Additionally, he highlighted the need to strengthen national emergency preparedness after recent severe weather exposed critical infrastructural vulnerabilities.

Sources: 15min, LSM.