Lithuania Prepares Nationwide Evacuation Plan Amid Rising Fears of Russian Aggression in Europe
September 13, 2024The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has raised alarms across Europe, particularly in the Baltic states and neighboring countries like Poland, which are bracing for potential conflict with Russia.
In response to fears of Russian aggression, Lithuania is actively preparing for a possible invasion, emphasizing the need for robust civil protection measures.
Lithuanian Interior Minister Agnė Bilotaitė has stressed the necessity of having a mass evacuation plan ready for immediate execution to safeguard civilians.
The Lithuanian government is in the process of developing a nationwide evacuation plan, which is anticipated to be finalized by early October 2024.
Bilotaitė has highlighted the importance of international cooperation for civil protection, asserting that national efforts alone are insufficient to address the current threats.
To bolster regional security, Lithuania plans to collaborate with other Baltic states and seek European Union funding.
Currently, Lithuania is contending with threats from cyberattacks, sabotage, and disinformation campaigns, which further complicate its security landscape.
Poland's Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz has indicated that Poland must prepare for the possibility of war, reflecting the heightened tensions in the region.
Germany, despite not sharing a border with Russia, is also taking precautionary measures by preparing emergency protocols and utilizing Cold War-era shelters.
In Germany, public buildings such as department stores and subway stations may be designated as shelters to accommodate civilians in case of emergencies.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine has not only raised fears of attacks on other European nations but has also prompted a comprehensive reassessment of defense strategies across the continent.
Summary based on 2 sources