Lithuania Boosts Border Security Ahead of Military Drills
(MENAFN) Lithuania declared on Wednesday that it will enhance its border protection and deploy extra personnel as Russia and Belarus prepare for joint military maneuvers in September.
Rustamas Liubajevas, who commands the State Border Guard Service (VSAT), stated that Lithuanian forces are implementing precautionary steps ahead of the Zapad exercises, which take place every two years, according to a report by a news agency.
“With the Zapad drills approaching, we have plans to strengthen (border security), deploy additional personnel to the external borders, and take certain actions in cooperation with other institutions, the Lithuanian military, and the police,” Liubajevas said.
He emphasized that the border guards are ready for potential provocations.
“The plan for preparing for the exercises has been approved and is being successfully implemented. Lithuanian border guards are currently ready for any provocations at our border,” he added.
Liubajevas also mentioned that the border guards have been operating under heightened security measures since 2021, noting, “We haven’t had much opportunity or possibility to reduce our vigilance at our external borders.”
The Lithuanian Defense Ministry revealed that up to 30,000 troops are expected to take part in this year’s drills, a significantly smaller number compared to the estimated 200,000 soldiers who participated in the 2021 Zapad exercises, which took place just months before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the
information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept
any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images,
videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information
contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright
issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
