Lithuania’s Deputy Minister of National Defence, Tomas Godliauskas, has cautioned that Russia is probing the resolve and response mechanisms of NATO member states along the eastern flank. In an interview with “Welt”, Godliauskas expressed concern that Moscow is attempting to assess the unity of the alliance and its reaction to escalating provocations.
Discussions are currently underway regarding strategies to bolster the eastern flank, with particular focus on nations bordering Russia and Belarus. These countries are taking the increasing risk of incidents within shared airspace exceptionally seriously. Authorities are evaluating methods to appropriately address potential provocations, including measures such as permitting the deployment of drone defense systems even during peacetime.
Godliauskas highlighted that the perceived threat from Russia is not a new development for the region. He characterized current Russian actions as escalating through cyberattacks, sabotage targeting critical infrastructure, disruptions to GPS signals and disinformation campaigns. This environment is prompting a heightened awareness of the need to enhance protections and identify effective countermeasures.
Specifically addressing recent drone activity, Godliauskas noted that many unmanned aerial vehicles are observed flying from Russia towards Ukraine. He explained that Ukraine has developed sophisticated electronic warfare systems capable of disrupting, misdirecting, or severing the connection of these drones. These erratically guided drones have been detected not only in Poland, but also in Lithuania and over Latvia, often entering NATO territory via Belarusian airspace.
Poland has reportedly received advanced warnings from Belarus regarding the movement of these drones. Furthermore, Lithuania maintains a direct communication channel – a “hotline” – with Belarus for addressing such incidents, a practice viewed as constructive.