Lithuania’s prime minister has vowed the country “will not surrender” as he revealed evacuation plans are in place in the event of a Russian attack. Mindaugas Sinkevičius said his people feel “constantly threatened” by the Kremlin amid growing concerns Russia could carry out an attack on NATO territory.
Concrete threats and readiness
US intelligence last month warned Russia could launch a limited assault on a NATO ally to test the alliance’s resolve. It was suggested this could happen within the next few years, however one European spy chief has since warned such action could unfold in a matter of “months”.
Mr Sinkevičius said his country would “fight back” and “engage” if attacked, while confirming plans are in place for a “variety of scenarios”. One example he gave was getting elderly citizens out of cities “smoothly” and avoiding traffic jams.
Speaking to BBC Newsnight
Speaking to BBC Newsnight, Mr Sinkevičius said he cannot publicly discuss all plans but warned: "We face concrete threats, not on a daily basis, but we're experiencing them and it's a true reality for us."
Lithuania, and the other Baltic states, are the nations widely regarded as most at risk from further Russian aggression.
Recent drone incident
Last week, a suspected Russian long-range attack drone was shot down over the country by a NATO fighter jet. Military officials in Lithuania said the incident marked the first time a drone had been downed in Lithuanian airspace. Russia did not comment on the incident.
NATO and the EU have warned Russia is becoming increasingly reckless after a number of incidents in Europe were linked to Moscow. Officials in countries, including the UK, Germany, Denmark and Poland, have in recent weeks accused Russia of involvement in acts such as drone incursions, sabotage, arson and surveillance of defence facilities.
Tensions and defence spending
Tensions between NATO and Russia skyrocketed after Berlin blamed Moscow for an attempted drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport in August. Russia denied responsibility.
It comes as Prime Minister Andy Burnham comes under growing pressure to increase defence spending to 3% of national income by 2030. Mr Sinkevičius told BBC Newsnight that Britain needs a “shift in the mindset” on defence, while admitting Lithuania is “closer” to Russia and the “threat”.
Lithuania shares an around 150-mile border with the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad, while also neighbouring Moscow’s close ally, Belarus. Lithuania is one of NATO’s biggest spenders as a share of GDP, spending 5.33% on core defence in 2026, according to alliance estimates. Britain, meanwhile, is believed to be spending 2.56%.
