Vilnius: Lithuania announced Wednesday that it will step up border security and deploy additional forces as Russia and Belarus prepare to hold joint military exercises in September. Rustamas Liubajevas, commander of the State Border Guard Service (VSAT), said Lithuanian forces are taking precautionary measures ahead of the Zapad drills, which are scheduled every two years, LRT news reported.

According to Anadolu Agency, Liubajevas stated, "With the Zapad drills approaching, we have plans to strengthen (border security), deploy additional personnel to the external borders, and take certain actions in cooperation with other institutions, the Lithuanian military, and the police." He emphasized that Lithuanian border guards are prepared for any possible provocations, noting that the plan for preparing for the exercises has been approved and is being successfully implemented.

Liubajevas added that since 2021, border guards have been operating under a reinforced security regime, highlighting that there hasn't been much opportunity or possibility to reduce vigilance at Lithuania's external borders. Meanwhile, Lithuania's Defense Ministry projected that up to 30,000 soldiers are expected to participate in this year's drills, a significant decrease from the estimated 200,000 troops involved in the 2021 Zapad exercises, which occurred just months before Russia's offensive in Ukraine.

Chief of Defense Raimundas Vaiksnoras had earlier informed the Baltic News Service (BNS) that the armed forces will maintain high alert status throughout August and September in anticipation of the maneuvers. The Zapad drills, a joint effort by Russia and Belarus, have been a regular occurrence since 2009, with the exception of 2023.