Lithuania takes aggressive measures to secure its borders as Russian threats loom, committing 1.1 billion euros to defense and restricting Russian citizens’ movements.
At a Glance
- Lithuania will spend 1.1 billion euros over the next decade to fortify its borders with Russia and Belarus, with 800 million euros dedicated to anti-tank mines
- New restrictions effective May 3 strip residence permits from Russians and Belarusians who visit their home countries more than once every three months
- The Baltic state plans to increase defense spending to 5-6% of GDP annually from 2026 to 2030
- Lithuania is considering exiting the Ottawa Convention, which bans anti-personnel mines, despite criticism from human rights organizations
- Special focus will be placed on the strategic Suwalki Gap, which if captured could isolate NATO’s Baltic members
Border Fortifications and Travel Restrictions
Lithuania is taking decisive action to counter what it perceives as growing threats from Russia and Belarus by implementing a comprehensive defense strategy. The defense ministry recently announced plans to allocate approximately 1.1 billion euros ($1.2 billion) over the next decade to strengthen border defenses against potential military incursions. A significant portion—800 million euros—will be devoted to anti-tank mines, which form the centerpiece of the Baltic nation’s “countermobility project” aimed at slowing down any potential invading forces from hostile neighboring states.
Simultaneously, Lithuania has implemented stringent new travel restrictions for Russian and Belarusian citizens. Effective May 3, these individuals risk losing their residence permits if they travel to Russia or Belarus more than once every three months without valid justification. Transportation workers and those with legitimate reasons for travel are exempted. Currently, 14,652 Russian citizens hold valid residence permits in Lithuania, all of whom are now subject to these new regulations that will remain in effect until May 2, 2026.
Strategic Defense Priorities
The defense ministry stated that the latest spending initiative would allow Lithuania to “block and slow down the actions of hostile states.” This reflects the growing concern among Baltic states about regional security following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Lithuania, along with Latvia and Estonia, has significantly increased defense measures and border security since that time, fearing they could be next if Russia succeeds in its Ukrainian campaign. This concern has prompted Lithuania to announce plans to increase its defense spending to an impressive 5-6% of GDP annually from 2026 to 2030.
“We have a neighbor who, through cooperation with Russia, poses a threat not only to Lithuania’s national security but to all of Europe. Therefore, there can be no economic or any other cooperation that supports this regime,” stated Lithuanian lawmaker Vilnius Semeška.
The Ottawa Convention and Humanitarian Concerns
In a controversial move, Lithuania, together with Finland, Poland, and fellow Baltic states, has decided to leave the Ottawa Convention, which prohibits the use of anti-personnel mines. This decision has drawn criticism from human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and the International Committee of the Red Cross, which have expressed concerns about the humanitarian implications. However, Lithuanian officials view this step as necessary given the gravity of the security situation they face on their eastern borders.
“This step by Hungary poses very serious security threats to the Schengen area and many European countries,” warned Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis, criticizing Hungary’s decision to relax entry requirements for Russian and Belarusian citizens.
Comprehensive Border Defenses
Lithuania’s defense strategy extends beyond traditional military equipment. The country plans to stockpile anti-tank weapons systems and strengthen defenses around the strategically crucial Suwalki Gap—a narrow corridor of land connecting Poland to Lithuania. This area is of vital importance as its capture could effectively isolate NATO’s Baltic members from other alliance territories. Additional measures include deepening irrigation ditches and reforesting border areas to create natural barriers to military movement.
“Additional measures include electronic warfare capabilities, anti-drone systems and the strengthening of the observation and early warning system,” the ministry explained in its comprehensive defense plan. These technological investments will be coupled with innovative approaches such as planting trees on key roads to limit visibility and movement options for potential invaders, demonstrating Lithuania’s commitment to using every possible advantage to secure its borders in the face of growing regional tensions.
