Lithuanian Military Calls Russian Threats Intimidation, Not Imminent Risk

Lithuania’s Armed Forces have responded to recent threats from Russia by saying there are no indications Moscow is preparing a direct military attack, describing the statements as an attempt to intimidate and pressure the Baltic region.

According to comments reported by Lithuanian outlet Delfi, the military said an attack would require two conditions: The presence of hostile forces near Lithuania’s borders and a clear intent to use them. Intelligence monitoring has detected neither, officials said.

Russian threats followed allegations that Baltic states may be facilitating Ukrainian military operations by allowing the use of their airspace, accusations repeatedly rejected by Lithuania and its neighbors.

The Lithuanian military’s comments come amid broader concern across the Baltic region about Russian information tactics targeting border communities.

In neighboring Estonia, analysts have highlighted the city of Narva as an example of how Moscow may seek to exploit demographic and historical factors through disinformation rather than direct military action.

An analysis by the Atlantic Council noted the emergence of online narratives promoting a so-called “Narva People’s Republic,” echoing language used by Kremlin-backed separatist projects in eastern Ukraine in 2014.

The Estonian Internal Security Service has described the initiative as an information operation rather than a genuine separatist movement, according to Estonian outlet ERR.

Estonia, a NATO member since 2004, has boosted defense along the Russian border since the invasion of Ukraine. Officials say these measures are intended to deter aggression.

The Lithuanian military said it will continue to assess Russian actions based on concrete indicators rather than misinformation.