Lithuania's updated security strategy, focused on defense, presented to government

VILNIUS - Lithuania's updated National Security Strategy emphasizing defense preparedness in the event of military aggression was presented to the government on Monday.

The document, the sixth of its kind, was revised following major changes in the regional and global security environment after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Presenting the strategy to the Cabinet, Deputy Defense Minister Karolis Aleksa said the political document sets out Lithuania's core security principles, defines key national security interests and outlines long-term strategic priorities across different areas of public governance.

"The guiding theme of this strategy is preparedness for national defense in the event of military aggression, because we clearly understand that the security situation has changed radically due to Russia's war against Ukraine," Aleksa said.

The document states that Lithuania and other countries in the region face an existential threat, citing the possibility that by 2030 Russia could develop the capabilities needed to wage a large-scale conventional war against NATO.

The deputy minister noted that the role of military force in international relations has increased in recent years, while the risk of intensified hybrid actions remains high.

The updated document also highlights threats posed by Belarus and China, as well as growing vulnerabilities stemming from dependence on information and communications technologies. Other risks listed include demographic decline, increased immigration and religious extremism.

"We also note that Russia is preparing for a long-term confrontation with the West that will include a military dimension. For this reason, the draft strategy highlights the growth of Russia's military power and its cooperation with other states acting against democracy, primarily China, North Korea and Iran," Aleksa said.

China is described as the main enabler of Russia's war effort in Ukraine due to its role in supplying goods and dual-use products, he said.

The strategy identifies the armed forces as the cornerstone of credible defense and calls for continued investment in military capabilities, including the development of a national division, the expansion of the active reserve and the growth of military infrastructure and training areas.

It also calls for stronger intelligence and counterintelligence capabilities, enhanced civil resistance and more resilient civilian infrastructure, while stressing the importance of collective security and stronger European defense capabilities.

The strategy will next be reviewed by the State Defense Council before returning to the government and then going to the parliament for final approval.

Lithuania's current National Security Strategy was adopted in 2021. The document is updated periodically to reflect changes in the geopolitical environment.