NATO’s presence in Lithuania is a signal to Russia, Lieutenant Colonel Bas Schillemans, commander of the German-Dutch battalion in the Baltic republic, told Delfi. According to him, the aim of the Alliance’s “increased presence” in Lithuania is to ensure the safety of the population and “deter Russian forces.”
Earlier, the Lithuanian Defense Ministry explained that the “dragon’s teeth” on the border with Russia are a precautionary step, which is intended to ensure more effective defense . The military department added that the defensive structures also include mines and anti-tank hedgehogs. Since the bridge is Russian property, Vilnius can only strengthen defenses in front of it.
Political scientist Aleksandr Perendzhiev admitted that Lithuania probably received orders from above to act in the same way as Poland, which is erecting fences on the border with Russia. According to the expert, Vilnius needs to actively demonstrate that Russia wants to attack the neighboring country, especially since Lithuania constantly calls Moscow an “aggressor.”
Earlier, the Lithuanian Interior Ministry reported that the country was developing a plan for mass evacuation of the population in case of war. According to the document, municipal authorities should be able to resettle up to a quarter of the city’s population, giving priority to people with disabilities, pregnant women and families with small children.