Lithuanian Military to Step Up Security at LNG Terminal Due to Threat of Russian Provocations

The Lithuanian Armed Forces will strengthen security at the liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal in Klaipėda and at critical energy facilities due to the threat of Russian provocations.

LRT reported on this.

Lithuanian Defense Minister Robertas Kaunas has already signed the corresponding order.

In addition to the LNG terminal, military personnel will be deployed to reinforce security at the distribution facility for the LitPol Link high-voltage power transmission line between Poland and Lithuania in Alytus.

They will also guard a transformer substation in the Alytus district and the Kruonis Pumped-Storage Power Plant.

To this end, the army will deploy a unit of up to 30 service members, equipped with vehicles, as well as a ship or boat with a crew. They will be deployed for enhanced security until August 19.

The military must coordinate the area of operations and specific tasks with the Public Security Service, which is responsible for protecting critical infrastructure. Yesterday, the Klaipėda City Administration announced that from July 20 to 26, military exercises by the local garrison of the Lithuanian Armed Forces will be held in the city and its surroundings, as well as within the territory of the Klaipėda State Seaport and the port channel.

The exercises are intended to strengthen coordination among Lithuanian military units and test their ability to redeploy.

“Soldiers will perform various tactical tasks, and military equipment, ships, boats, and a helicopter will be on the move. Simulated ammunition will be used in certain parts of the exercises, so the sound of gunfire may be heard,” the statement reads.

Earlier, the leaders of Lithuania, Latvia, and Poland had already warned that Western intelligence agencies were monitoring Russia’s preparations for provocations and attacks against infrastructure facilities in the Baltic region. Last week, in particular, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda confirmed this.

Amid the threat of Russian sabotage and hybrid attacks, Latvia has also recently stepped up security measures around its key critical infrastructure facilities.