Lithuania prepares for Russian attack

Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius told the BBC that Lithuania has made evacuation plans for various scenarios, including getting elderly citizens out of cities smoothly to avoid traffic jams.

“We're thinking about a variety of scenarios, not all of them are being discussed very much publicly.”

Constant drone threats from Russia

Lithuanians feel constantly threatened by Russian drones entering their airspace. Last week, NATO fighter pilots shot down a drone that crossed into Lithuanian airspace.

“We face concrete threats, not on a daily basis, but we're experiencing them and it's a true reality for us.”

NATO reinforcements arriving in Lithuania

NATO has several thousand troops stationed in Lithuania, including US and German forces. Germany has pledged to send a permanent 5,000-strong combat-ready brigade, reaching full operational capability by the end of 2027.

Lithuania shares border with Russian Kaliningrad

Lithuania, a NATO member since 2004, shares a land border with the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad. The Suwałki Gap, which borders Lithuania and Poland, also links Belarus with Russia's Kaliningrad.

Hybrid attacks blamed on Belarus

Lithuania has experienced numerous incidents it describes as hybrid attacks, blaming neighbouring Belarus, a close Russian ally. In May, a drone alert forced residents in Vilnius to take shelter and briefly grounded flights and rail travel.

We will fight back if attacked

Prime Minister Sinkevičius told the BBC that if Lithuania was attacked, they will fight back and engage. He also said the UK needed a shift in mindset regarding defence spending.

“We will fight back... we will engage.”