As a result, in the event of an armed conflict, it will be easier to destroy the bridges near the border.
The Baltic countries are strengthening their preparations for possible military threats from the Russian Federation and Belarus. In particular, structures designed for blowing up bridges in the event of war have already appeared on the border of Lithuania with these countries. This was reported by LRT.
According to the plan, the bridges are being equipped with "engineering structures for securing explosives."
"Bridges and roads are selected based on the location of natural obstacles and their strategic importance in Lithuania's defense system," military officials told journalists.
The Lithuanian Armed Forces reported that they have already created several dozen facilities near the border for storing anti-tank and other obstacles, as well as conducting tree planting to protect main roads and deepening irrigation ditches that will serve as trenches and additional anti-tank barriers.
Thus, in the event of an armed conflict, it will be easier to destroy the bridges near the border, which will help block the movement of military forces. LRT adds that Finland, which shares a 1,340 km border with the Russian Federation, has been preparing for this for decades.
In particular, last year, the President of Finland stated to the Financial Times that more action is needed rather than just talk.
"I am somewhat concerned about these rather bellicose discussions about Russia intending to test Article 5 [of NATO] and that Europe will be next. We must prepare for this, but it is very unlikely. I urge all European states to be more Finnish. In other words, to be better prepared. We must prepare for the worst to avoid it," emphasized Alexander Stubb in April of last year.
At the same time, Lithuanian officials are trying to show that protective measures are being taken in the country while avoiding spreading panic.
"In peacetime, to say that border municipalities are dangerous when we have NATO and partner country obligations would be madness. It would be irresponsible to alarm people and talk about [danger at the border], but the reality is that each of us must find a way to approach this very complex issue of war, because it is a reality," noted Donatas Gurevičius, a representative of the Fire and Rescue Service (PAGD), which deals with civil protection, for LRT.
In turn, the head of the Media Operations Center of the Strategic Communications Department of the Lithuanian Armed Forces, Major Gintautas Čunius, said that preparation for conflict should be viewed in society as a normal, long-term activity, "like all other aspects of life."
