Amid the Ongoing War in Ukraine – Focus on Border Security with Russia
Minister of the Interior Vladislav Kondratovič visited the Kybartai border control post. During the visit, Minister Kondratovič learned about the protection of the state border with the Russian Federation and how the security of the Kaliningrad special transit scheme is ensured.
“During this challenging period, we must pay special attention to the transit of passengers and goods by train to the Kaliningrad region. Given the tense geopolitical situation in our region, we cannot afford to lose our vigilance. Today, exactly three years ago, Russia began its war against Ukraine. We will continue to support the Ukrainians in their difficult fight for their freedom. The lessons of the war in Ukraine teach us to be fully prepared for potential military, hybrid, and other threats,” said the Minister of the Interior.
The transit of passengers and goods by train to/from the Russian Federation's Kaliningrad region is running smoothly and without interruption. The transit is carried out in accordance with the existing European Union and Russia agreement and the obligations outlined within it.
According to Minister V. Kondratovič, strengthening the security of Lithuania’s state border with the Russian Federation is a priority. On the border with Russia, works to continue the repair and installation of patrol roads are planned, as well as the stages of updating border surveillance infrastructure and other tasks.
“In the current security situation, it is essential to strengthen the protection of the border with Russia, while also not forgetting the protection of the maritime border. We must be ready to repel threats related to potential provocations, hybrid attacks, and illegal migration. Security challenges in our region persist, and the spectrum of hybrid threats is expanding,” stated Minister V. Kondratovič.
Almost 16 million euros have been allocated for updating border surveillance systems on the border with the Russian Federation.
Together with the Lithuanian Armed Forces, engineering measures parks are being established along the borders with Russia and Belarus. Counter-mobility measures are a key part of our country's defense concept. They enhance the deterrence and defense potential of the state, and improve the security of the state borders with Russia and Belarus.
The state border with the Russian Federation is guarded by two Border Guard Service (VSAT) border units: the Pagėgiai Border Unit and the recently re-established Coastal Protection Border Unit. To ensure border security, VSAT cooperates with the Lithuanian Armed Forces, the Naval and Air Forces.
The length of the state border with the Russian Federation's Kaliningrad region is 297.12 km. The border features exceptional natural conditions, with most of its line consisting of rivers and other water bodies.
Today, Lithuania meets the highest European Union external border protection standards.
Modern border surveillance systems have been installed along the entire border with Belarus, and the capabilities of the Border Guard Service's (VSAT) unmanned aerial vehicles have been enhanced. The patrol road on the border with Belarus is being updated.
All VSAT officers are equipped with weapons that meet NATO standards, and in cooperation with the Ministry of National Defense, heavy weaponry was transferred to border guards last year.
Last updated: 25-02-2025
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