VILNIUS – Interior Minister Vladislav Kondratovic has said that Lithuania needs an estimated 120 million euros to ramp up security along its border with Russia.
"The total amount exceeds 120 million euros. We'll discuss potential funding options shortly as part of the budget planning process. We're also seeking European funding sources and already have some initial insights. Securing funding could be possible in the near future," Kondratovic told BNS last week.
"This is a preliminary estimate. We'll definitely give priority to the most important things," he added.
The minister said the funding would primarily go toward building a physical barrier, upgrading surveillance systems and purchasing a counter-drone system for this section of the border.
He also said EU funds could help finance a new quay at the seaport of Klaipeda.
Kondratovic added that there is a need for a new hovercraft. Border guards currently operate two.
The ministry is also looking to buy additional patrol boats to monitor rivers and the Curonian Lagoon and to help protect critical infrastructure.
Lithuania shares a roughly 275-kilometer border with Russia. Parts of the existing infrastructure are already fortified.
According to Kondratovic, border violations and incidents along the border with Russia are rare.
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