A warning delivered in Kyiv puts energy security at the center of Europe’s growing concerns over hybrid threats and vulnerable strategic sites.

Russia may be preparing “false flag” operations targeting the critical infrastructure of the Baltic states. Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda warned of this threat during a press conference following the Coalition of the Willing summit in Kyiv.

According to him, intelligence indicates the need for heightened attention to the security of strategic facilities. For Lithuania, protecting its energy system and ensuring its independence from external risks are particularly important.

Our intelligence shows that we must remain vigilant, as there is a risk of “false flag” operations being carried out in the future. And the primary target is critical infrastructure. Because independence in the energy sector is extremely important to us.

– Gitanas Nausėda

Lithuania strengthens energy security

Gitanas Nausėda recalled that Lithuania has implemented important projects in recent years to strengthen its energy resilience. These include the LNG terminal in Klaipėda and the connection of Lithuania’s electricity grid to the continental European network.

The Lithuanian president stressed that uninterrupted electricity generation and supply are among the key factors of national security. With this in mind, the country is paying greater attention to safeguarding and protecting critical infrastructure.

Risks along the borders with Belarus and the Kaliningrad region

Nausėda also pointed to security challenges posed by Lithuania’s extensive borders with Belarus and the Kaliningrad region. The Lithuanian-Belarusian border is 680 kilometers long, while the border with the Kaliningrad region stretches for 120 kilometers.

In the president’s assessment, the threat may take various forms – from hybrid actions and illegal migration to kinetic operations against the country.

The likelihood that something may happen – hybrid activity, illegal migration, kinetic operations against us – is indeed very high.

– Gitanas Nausėda

Air defense and counter-drone measures

Nausėda named the development of air defense as one of the priority areas of security. Lithuania is expanding its capabilities to detect, intercept, and destroy drones and other unmanned aerial vehicles.

He also emphasized the importance of cooperation with Ukraine and sharing practical experience in countering drone threats. The day before, Gitanas Nausėda joined other leaders at the “Ukraine–Nordic-Baltic Eight Countries” summit in Kyiv.

Lithuania views the protection of energy facilities, borders, and airspace as interconnected components of countering potential Russian hybrid attacks.