During the “Zapad 2025” exercises, Lithuania’s State Border Guard Service (VSAT) will further strengthen border protection
During the joint Belarusian-Russian military exercises “Zapad 2025,” which begin this week, Lithuania’s State Border Guard Service (VSAT) will further enhance the protection of its borders with these countries.
Since the start of the hybrid attack against Lithuania by Belarus in 2021, using instrumentalized migration, and following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, border protection between Lithuania and Belarus and Russia has been significantly strengthened through technical and organizational measures, as well as human resources.
This high level of border monitoring, control, and patrolling has been maintained up to the present.
It is essential to maintain this level, given the Belarusian regime’s continued facilitation of foreigners crossing the state border into Lithuania unchecked, often involving smuggling, various border violations, and other threats, coordinated by Russian special services as part of a hybrid attack on a regional scale, alongside the complex geopolitical situation.
Nevertheless, during the military exercises “Zapad 2025” taking place in neighboring countries, border protection with Belarus and Russia will be further strengthened, with an even higher level of control.
There will be increased border surveillance, patrolling, and other control measures carried out not only by VSAT forces but also involving structures from the national defense system and the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union.
Given the ongoing risk of border violations and provocations against Lithuania during these exercises, rapid response will be ensured for any possible incidents. This will involve the deployment of reinforced forces, additional technical border control tools, criminal intelligence measures, and the use of existing infrastructure.
The active phase of “Zapad 2025” is scheduled for September 12–16. During this period, VSAT will also implement enhanced information exchange and coordination measures at both national and international levels.
Last updated: 12-09-2025
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