Putin is getting closer to testing NATO's Article 5 - Lithuanian President
Photo: Russian President Vladimir Putin (Getty Images)
Russia's provocations against European countries are testing the West's readiness to respond and are approaching the threshold of testing NATO's Article 5, says Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda, according to Onet.
According to Nausėda, Lithuania has received intelligence about possible provocations by Russia. As a result, the country, like Poland, has significantly strengthened security measures along its border with the Kaliningrad region.
The president stressed that the recent incidents are part of a large-scale hybrid war against Europe, which includes illegal migration, weather balloons, and drone incursions.
"The Russians want to test whether we will respond or not. Putin is getting closer and closer to testing Article 5, which obliges NATO to assist an ally that has come under attack," Nausėda said.
He added that the line between hybrid operations and direct military action is becoming increasingly blurred and could result in casualties.
Gaps in air defense and Lithuania's plans
Nausėda recalled a recent incident in which an enemy drone crashed into a tree and exploded. Fortunately, no one was nearby at the time, but the incident exposed serious gaps in air defense.
In response, Vilnius is accelerating the procurement of the necessary defense systems, including:
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Modern counter-drone systems;
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Intelligence and surveillance equipment.
According to Nausėda, these steps will significantly improve Lithuania's preparedness for similar threats by the second half of 2027.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned that Russia could resort to a new serious escalation of its hybrid war against Europe in the coming months.
Earlier, Ukraine's Defense Intelligence reported that Russia was preparing new provocations aimed at destabilizing Europe. Their goal is to reduce or halt support for Ukraine by discrediting the Ukrainian Armed Forces, as well as to intimidate EU governments and societies.
