The Lithuanian Riflemen's Union has received thousands of requests to join it since Russia started its war against Ukraine, the union’s commander Albertas Dapkus has said.
“We are observing major determination and a wish to come, get trained, and join the defence of our homeland,” Dapkus told LRT TV on Wednesday.
“These are those moments during a crisis when we can be united […]. That was the case during the Baltic Way, the January events, the Crimean annexation in 2014, and now,” he added.
According to Dapkus, the Riflemen’s Union was planning to accept 1,000 new members throughout the year.
“Over the last couple of days, this figure has already been reached at our Vilnius unit alone. So, you can imagine that we need to look for additional resources – human, financial, and infrastructure – to be able to properly prepare them,” he said.
In the commander’s words, the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union seeks to properly train riflemen, and it takes time. But the union is looking for ways to step up the process.
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