Lithuanian leader says nation ready to resist Russia while planning civilian evacuations

Lithuania’s prime minister, Ingrida Šimonytė, told BBC Newsnight that her country lives under a “constant feeling of threat” from Russia, yet it is prepared to defend its sovereignty if necessary. She said the government has already drafted evacuation plans for civilians in the event of a direct attack, underscoring a dual strategy of deterrence and preparedness.

Šimonytė emphasized that while Lithuania is a member of NATO, the alliance’s collective defence guarantees do not replace the need for national readiness. “We are ready to fight back,” she said, adding that the evacuation protocols are designed to move vulnerable populations quickly to safety zones, though she did not disclose specific details for security reasons. The remarks were made amid heightened rhetoric from Moscow, which has repeatedly warned of possible actions against the Baltic states.

According to BBC News, the prime minister’s comments come after a series of Russian military exercises near the Baltic Sea and increased cyber‑attacks targeting Lithuanian infrastructure. The Baltic nations have long viewed the conflict in Ukraine as a warning sign, prompting them to bolster defence spending and host NATO forward‑deployed forces. Lithuania, in particular, has increased its defence budget to 2.5 % of GDP, aiming to meet NATO’s target and fund modernisation of its armed forces.

The evacuation plans are part of a broader civil defence framework that includes public information campaigns, emergency shelters, and coordination with neighbouring countries. In past drills, Lithuania practiced moving residents from border towns to inland safe zones, a measure designed to reduce civilian casualties in the event of artillery or missile strikes. Such preparations are also intended to reassure the public, who, as Šimonytė noted, “feel constantly threatened” by Moscow’s aggressive posture.

Experts say the combination of NATO backing and robust national contingency plans sends a clear signal to Russia that any aggression would meet both collective and local resistance. The Baltic states have repeatedly called for a stronger NATO presence in the region, arguing that deterrence must be paired with practical measures to protect civilians.

While the prime minister stopped short of revealing the exact trigger points for evacuation, she reaffirmed Lithuania’s commitment to uphold its territorial integrity and protect its people, echoing a broader regional resolve to stand firm against any potential Russian incursion.