Lithuania Deploys Troops to Guard LNG Terminal and Power Grid Against Russian Threats

Lithuania is deploying troops and a military vessel to reinforce security at its Klaipėda liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal and other critical energy facilities amid concerns over possible Russian provocations, Lithuanian media outlet LRT reported on July 21.

Defense Minister Robertas Kaunas has signed the order authorizing the deployment.

Alongside the LNG terminal, Lithuanian forces will help protect the LitPol Link high-voltage electricity interconnection with Poland in Alytus, a nearby transformer substation, and the Kruonis pumped-storage hydroelectric power plant.

The military will assign a unit of up to 30 service members, supported by vehicles and either a ship or patrol boat with its crew. The reinforced security operation will remain in place through August 19.

Specific patrol areas and operational tasks will be coordinated with Lithuania’s Public Security Service, which is responsible for protecting critical infrastructure.

The measures coincide with military exercises taking place in Klaipėda and surrounding areas from July 20 through 26. Training will also extend into the Klaipėda State Seaport and its shipping channel.

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The exercises are intended to improve coordination between Lithuanian military units and test their ability to redeploy personnel and equipment quickly.

“Soldiers will carry out various tactical tasks, while military vehicles, ships, boats, and a helicopter will be moving through the area,” the Klaipėda city administration said.

Last week, President Nausėda said that critical transportation and energy infrastructure in Lithuania could become targets, and that attacks could be carried out using both conventional and other methods, including acts of sabotage.

Latvia has also strengthened security measures at critical energy infrastructure following intelligence indicating a potential threat from Russia.

The measures include increased protection at a hydroelectric dam upstream from the capital, Riga, and at the country’s largest underground natural gas storage facility.

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