Lithuania extends military assistance on Kaliningrad border until mid-Nov

VILNIUS - Lithuanian Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas has extended military assistance on the border with Russia's Kaliningrad region until mid-November.

"Assessing the potential flows of residents fleeing the Kaliningrad region and related incidents of illegal border crossings, we are extending enhanced border protection until mid-November for preventive purposes," Kaunas said.

According to the Defence Ministry, the decision was made at the request of Interior Minister Martynas Katelynas. Military resources will be coordinated with the needs of the State Border Guard Service. About 100 troops are currently deployed to assist with border protection.

Military intelligence has reported no significant changes in military activity in the Kaliningrad region. The military deployment is linked to public reports of a planned mobilisation in Russia following the State Duma elections, although the threat level at the Lithuanian border has not increased.

Military personnel, together with State Border Guard Service officers, patrol areas around border checkpoints. Mobile patrols, mobile observation posts and Military Police units can be deployed as needed.