Nausėda defends Lithuanian border measures and addresses defense sector challenges

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda defended increased border security with Russia while addressing air defense gaps and internal defense ministry issues.
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda has urged citizens not to fear the increased military presence along the border with Russia, calling early preparation the best strategy to prevent potential provocations. In a wide-ranging interview, Nausėda acknowledged that Lithuania's air defense capabilities remain imperfect and highlighted delays in joint drone manufacturing ventures with Ukraine.
Addressing domestic defense issues, the president expressed concern over internal friction within military leadership and condemned a controversial gathering at the Ministry of National Defence, warning that its reputational impact would persist. Nausėda maintained that taking proactive security measures, even if overly cautious, is essential to mitigate operational risks.
Sources: 15min, LSM.
Sources
Earlier coverage
- Oct 25, 2026, 02:30 PM UTCLithuanian president urges calm over reinforced border with Russia
- Oct 25, 2026, 09:00 AM UTCLithuanian President Nausėda urges proactive border defense amid security challenges
- Oct 24, 2026, 08:30 PM UTCLithuanian president urges border readiness and addresses defense challenges
- Oct 24, 2026, 09:00 AM UTCLithuanian president addresses border security, defense gaps and internal turmoil
- Oct 24, 2026, 02:30 AM UTCLithuanian president urges calm over border security and addresses defense delays
- Oct 23, 2026, 10:00 PM UTCLithuanian president urges calm over border military deployments
- Oct 23, 2026, 10:30 AM UTCLithuanian president defends border deployment and addresses defense gaps
- Oct 23, 2026, 02:30 AM UTCLithuanian president urges calm over increased border security measures
- Oct 22, 2026, 10:00 PM UTCLithuanian president defends precautionary troop deployment along Russian border
- Oct 22, 2026, 07:30 AM UTCLithuanian president urges calm as border security measures expand