Commander of the Lithuanian State Border Guard Service Rustamas Liubajevas has said that Lithuanian border guards are stepping up security measures in anticipation of the upcoming “Zapad” military exercises, scheduled to be held by Russia and Belarus in September 2025.
Liubajevas explained that border guards, in coordination with the Lithuanian Army, police, and other agencies, will deploy additional personnel along the country’s external borders and implement a range of security measures, The Caspian Post informs via Lithuanian media.
“The preparation plan for the exercises has been approved and is being successfully implemented,” he noted, while declining to provide specifics on the number or types of forces to be stationed.
He emphasized readiness for potential provocations, stating: “At present, Lithuanian border guards are prepared for any provocations along our borders.”
The joint “Zapad” exercises are officially intended to practice coordinated defensive and offensive operations, enhance armed forces cooperation, and assess troop readiness under various security scenarios.
Nevertheless, such exercises have historically raised concerns among officials in countries bordering Russia and Belarus, who fear possible unintended incidents during large-scale military maneuvers.
Share on social media