Lithuania Ready to 'Fight Back' – Evacuation Plans in Place amid Russia Threats

Wed Sep 23 2026 22:23:07 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Lithuania’s prime minister says evacuation plans are ready, yet the country will not surrender if attacked, amid rising drone alerts from Russia and Belarus.

Lithuanian PM Mindaugas Sinkevičius warns of continuous threats from Russia, citing recent drone incursions and the presence of NATO troops on the Lithuanian border. He stresses evacuation readiness, especially for elderly citizens, while asserting Lithuania will fight back if attacked. The country faces hybrid attacks linked to Belarus, a close Russian ally. NATO is increasing forces in Lithuania, with Germany pledging a 5,000‑strong brigade. The Prime Minister urges the UK to shift its defence mindset to better support Baltic security.

Lithuania Ready to 'Fight Back' – Evacuation Plans in Place amid Russia Threats

Lithuanian prime minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius told the BBC that while the country has evacuation plans ready for a possible Russian attack, it will not surrender and will fight back if confronted.

He said Lithuania feels “constantly threatened” by Russia, noting that drones have recently entered its airspace and that the nation has experienced ‘hybrid attacks’ blamed on neighboring Belarus, a close Russian ally.

The PM highlighted that the country plans for a variety of scenarios, including moving elderly citizens out of cities smoothly and avoiding traffic jams in case of conflict.

Lithuania shares a land border with Russia’s Kaliningrad exclave, and NATO has stationed several thousand troops there, with Germany pledging a 5,000‑strong permanent brigade.

A recent drone incident over Lithuania was shot down by NATO fighter pilots, which the Defence Minister said likely originated from Belarus. Residents in Vilnius were forced to take shelter after a drone alert grounded flights and rail travel.

The Prime Minister urged the UK to adopt a new mindset toward defence, stressing that Lithuania’s proximity to the Russian border places it at higher risk.

Lithuania’s evacuation plans, combined with NATO’s increased presence, aim to prepare the country for any escalation while defending its sovereignty and ensuring civilian safety.