Lithuania has extended military assistance to patrol its border with Russia’s Kaliningrad region until mid-November, Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas said.
“Assessing the potential flows of residents fleeing the Kaliningrad region and related incidents of illegal border crossings, we are extending enhanced border protection until mid-November for preventive purposes,” Kaunas said.
The Defence Ministry said the decision was made at the request of Interior Minister Martynas Katelynas. Military resources will be coordinated with the needs of the State Border Guard Service.
About 100 troops are currently deployed to assist border guards.
Military intelligence has reported no significant changes in military activity in the Kaliningrad region, and the threat level along Lithuania’s border has not increased.
The deployment is linked to public reports of a planned mobilisation in Russia following parliamentary elections. Katelynas has said he expects people might try to seek asylum in Lithuania to avoid military service.
Military personnel and State Border Guard Service officers patrol areas around border checkpoints. Mobile patrols, mobile observation posts and military police units can also be deployed as needed.
LRT English
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