The arrival of Russian troops in Belarus poses an even bigger direct threat to Lithuania, according to the country's Defence Minister Arvydas Anušauskas.
Moscow claims its troops were deployed in Belarus for drills that will take place in February. Meanwhile, the West fears possible invasion of Ukraine by Russia.
“In the current situation, we view the arrival of Russian armed forces in Belarus not only as a destabilising factor in the security situation, but also as one posing an even bigger direct threat to Lithuania,” Anušauskas posted on Facebook on Wednesday.
Moscow says S-400 missile systems will be deployed in Belarus during the military exercise aimed at “preventing external aggression”.
Russia has not disclosed how many of its troops will take part in the drills announced by Belarus leader Alexander Lukashenko earlier this month. Minsk says the military exercise will be held amid growing military threat from neighbouring Ukraine and Poland.
Anušauskas also said he was meeting with ambassadors of nine NATO countries “that actively contribute to boosting Lithuania's security” on Wednesday.
“We will discuss the security situation and I will brief them on Lithuania's actions,” the minister said.
In response to the tensions in the region, Lithuania has decided to increase the number of conscripts next year, as well as of military instructors, and plans to bring forward the acquisition of missile systems.
Newsletter
Every Friday morning.
