Lithuania's leader, Sinkevičius, has told BBC Newsnight that Lithuanians feel constantly threatened by Moscow but that the nation stands ready to 'fight back' if attacked. According to the BBC's report, Lithuania has also drawn up evacuation plans.
Key facts
- Sinkevičius spoke to BBC Newsnight about the threat from Russia.
- He said Lithuanians feel 'constantly threatened' by Moscow.
- Lithuania is prepared to 'fight back' if attacked, he said.
- According to the BBC, Lithuania has drawn up evacuation plans.
Lithuania is prepared to defend itself against Russia if attacked, the country’s leader, Sinkevičius, has told the BBC.
Speaking to BBC Newsnight, Sinkevičius said Lithuanians feel “constantly threatened” by Moscow. Despite that sense of unease, he stressed that the nation was ready to “fight back” if it came under attack.
According to the BBC’s report, Lithuania has also drawn up evacuation plans in the face of the threat from Russia.
The full details of those plans and the wider context of the interview were not set out in the material available at the time of publication.
Why it matters
The comments reflect the concerns of a NATO member on the alliance's eastern flank about Russia's posture. According to the BBC, the leader's message combined a readiness to resist with contingency planning to protect the population.
Frequently asked questions
What did Lithuania's prime minister say about Russia?
He told BBC Newsnight that Lithuanians feel 'constantly threatened' by Moscow, but that the nation was prepared to 'fight back' if attacked.
Does Lithuania have evacuation plans?
Yes. According to the BBC, Lithuania has drawn up evacuation plans in the face of Russian threats.