Numerous information and cyber-attacks took place over the course of the year, attempts to spread COVID-19-related conspiracy theories were seen, hostile services were quite aggressive with Lithuanian citizens travelling to Russia and Belarus or maintaining contacts with the two states.
The threats in the security situation of Lithuania are evaluated and presented as the National Security Threat Assessment 2021 by the State Security Department and the 2nd Investigation Department under the Ministry of National Defence.
“All the societies face significant challenges in the pandemic, citizens encounter social and economic problems that raise confusion and level of anxiety. That is most usually taken advantage of by propagandists, conspiracy theory apologists, as well as hostile intelligence and security services that seek to sow uncertainty and public distrust in state authorities. However, citizens of Lithuania appear to be pretty resilient to such influence and able to see the difference between real and fake news, as well as to resist destructive ideas. We hope that the National Threat Assessment made public every year contributes to such resilience,” says Director of the State Security Department Darius Jauniškis.
“The ruling regime of Russia and its military power remain the biggest and potentially existential threat to Lithuania. The events of the recent year – approval of the amended Constitution that consolidates the Vladimir Putin autocracy, build-up of military power in the western part of Russia and the Kaliningrad Oblast, growth of the political and military influence the Kremlin has on the Belarus regime – were the factors that increase the threats to Lithuania’s national security. The use of military means to suppress protest in own societies by the authoritarian Russian and Belarusian regimes is also concerning. They attempt to convince their societies about the mythical threat of NATO, and the Western countries – to stop criticizing Moscow and Minks by showcasing military power by the borders of NATO allies. Preparations for the Russian-Belarusian military Exercise Zapad planned to take place in September will be ongoing this year, so we will be observing intensified military activities near Lithuania’s borders almost through the year,” Director of the 2nd Investigation Department Col Elegijus Paulavičius warned.
