RIA Novosti, the Russian state news agency, published and then deleted an article on Friday that suggested a potential military operation against Lithuania, citing it did not conform to Russia’s editorial policy. The article titled “Russia Faces Another Special Military Operation – One Very Brief” was accessible for about three hours, according to Lithuanian publication Delfi.
The agency stated the piece, authored by Alexander Nosovich, was removed due to its incompatibility with both editorial and state policy. Despite its deletion, the article has been referenced by other Russian media outlets.
In response to the article, the Latvian Army commented on Russia’s intimidation tactics toward neighboring countries, calling it a typical strategy of the nation.
Context of the Article
The article appeared to be a reaction to Lithuania’s recent parliamentary decision to lift a ban on deploying nuclear weapons within its territory, which was voted on Tuesday. Nosovich, a Russian propagandist specializing in Baltic affairs, claimed that Europeans had effectively chosen a country willing to serve as a nuclear weapons depot.
He argued that the involvement of France and the UK in Baltic states mirrors their actions in Ukraine over the past decade, creating unacceptable security threats at Russia’s borders and compelling Moscow to respond.
Military Options Discussed
Nosovich likened Lithuania to Ukraine, stating, “Russia has a choice: how to fight. It’s not about how long it will take or how quickly it will happen; it will happen rapidly due to geography. The question is what means can be used.” He theorized that Russia could forego ground forces entirely and instead employ nuclear-capable missiles, asserting, “The solution is not only quick, but lightning-fast.”
Lithuania’s Official Stance
In light of the article’s rhetoric, the Latvian Army stated, “There should be no additional actions taken in response to such declarations,” emphasizing that NATO forces are prepared to respond at any moment regardless of their current resources.
Additionally, Lithuania’s parliament voted this week to amend the Constitution to permit the deployment of weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear arms, alongside foreign military bases. The necessary final votes are scheduled for 2027.
Recent Kremlin Threats
Two weeks ago, the Kremlin warned that it would target Lithuania with nuclear weaponry should the Baltic state accept nuclear warheads from its allies. Dmitry Peskov, a spokesperson for the Kremlin, indicated that if nuclear arms were stationed in Lithuania aimed at Russia, that territory would also fall within the range of Russia’s nuclear arsenal.
Escalating Tensions in Europe
This article emerges amidst warnings of heightened hybrid threats from Russia against Ukraine allies. Swedish JAS 39 Gripen and Finnish F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets were recently deployed to intercept and identify Russian military aircraft over the Gulf of Finland. Concurrently, U.S. intelligence services have alerted European governments about potential drone operations targeting Spain, France, or Italy.
Poland remains on high alert, while the Baltic states are increasingly tense due to recent incursions by drones.
