Commander of the Lithuanian army: we must be ready to deter Russia and, if necessary, go to war against it

There is no direct military threat to Lithuania. This has been repeated by the country’s official officials for many years, mentioned in the strategic documents. Despite the fact that there was an informal consensus and understanding that Russia could be considered the most real threat, they did not want to openly name it.

Even allies and neutral countries were surprised or annoyed by Lithuania’s anti-Russian rhetoric, constant talk about the Russian threat. In addition, the Lithuanian society, already agitated, electrified by Russian military exercises, aggressive actions on the border or statements from the Kremlin, reacted sensitively to almost every headline or report. And gradually it even faded a little.

Russians attack? Are you acting again? Such taunts and angry comments began to dominate the public space. And even just before February 24, 2022, there were many who did not believe that something dramatic could actually happen. But when on that very day everything changed, the taunts evaporated, and the stagnation of shock, anxiety, anger and even fear led many to ask the question: will it be our turn now?