Lithuania Ready to 'Fight Back' but Has Evacuation Plans Amid Russia Threats, PM Says

Lithuania's prime minister has said the country is prepared to "fight back" against any Russian attack, while also maintaining evacuation plans in case the security situation deteriorates further.

Speaking to BBC Newsnight, Sinkevičius said Lithuanians feel "constantly threatened" by Moscow, reflecting broader anxiety across the Baltic states, which border Russia and its ally Belarus and have watched Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine with heightened concern for their own security.

The prime minister's comments underscore the dual approach many Baltic leaders have taken in recent years: publicly asserting a readiness to defend their territory while also preparing civil contingency plans, including evacuation procedures, in case of escalation.

Lithuania is a member of NATO and the European Union, and has been among the more vocal Baltic states in calling for continued Western support for Ukraine and a strong collective defense posture against Russia. Vilnius has previously raised concerns about Russian military activity near its borders, including in the Kaliningrad exclave and Belarus.

No specific details were given about the scale or triggers of the evacuation plans referenced in the interview. The BBC interview did not indicate any immediate change in the security situation prompting the remarks, but reflected the government's ongoing posture of vigilance regarding potential threats from Moscow.