In the small Baltic nation of Lithuania, a sense of urgency is sweeping through the streets as citizens prepare for the unthinkable. With the unsettling reality of the ongoing war in Ukraine looming large, thousands of ordinary Lithuanians are taking matters into their own hands. They are getting ready for the possibility of an invasion—specifically from their formidable neighbor, Russia, and its close ally, Belarus. Members of the Lithuanian Rifleman’s Brigade, a state-supported paramilitary group, are at the forefront of this initiative, and their drills have become a vivid reminder of the fragile peace in this part of Europe.
As people stand by their windows, hearing the simulated sounds of gunfire, one can’t help but feel the adrenaline pumping through the air. It may be just practice, but for those involved, it feels entirely real. The members of the brigade are training rigorously, preparing to defend their nation against potential attacks. Like ensuring their doors are locked at night, these volunteers believe that being prepared is the best way to protect their freedom. They are ready to fight back to the last drop of blood, as they put it. Such sentiments reflect the fierce national pride that has been cultivated over decades, especially among a population that once lived under Soviet occupation for fifty long years.
With the ongoing war in Ukraine, fears of a Russian invasion of Lithuania have only intensified. The nation’s location, sandwiched between the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad and Belarus, leaves it precariously vulnerable to hybrid warfare tactics—means that don’t always involve conventional arms but can include cyber attacks, sabotage, and, as they’ve seen lately, suspicious balloons. Over the past year, an alarming influx of over 500 weather balloons has crossed the border from Belarus, leading to multiple closures of Lithuanian airspace. These incidents have stirred worries among officials, who suspect that they are part of a coordinated disruption campaign by Russia.
The atmosphere in Lithuania can feel tense, almost like a siege. Civilians are being stopped and questioned by the brigade during their drills, adding to a palpable sense of concern among the populace. Many citizens, when asked about their feelings toward the exercises, express a mix of anxiety and determination. They understand the necessity of such preparations—especially as NATO’s commitment to their security looms large in the background. With a military that only comprises about 20,000 personnel, the emphasis on volunteers and reserves has never been more vital.
Lithuania’s military and its paramilitary representatives, like the Lithuanian Rifleman’s Brigade, are not just participating in these efforts; they are positioned as frontline defenders in the case of an invasion. The brigade boasts over 17,000 members, providing critical support outside of the regular armed forces. Their collective experience and training become essential during crises, especially considering that many in this region possess memories of what it was like to live under Soviet rule—an experience none wish to endure again. The specter of Russian imperialism looms in the back of people’s minds, fueling their resolve to protect their homes fiercely.
As preparations continue, Lithuania is also looking into bolstering its defensive capabilities, working closely with its neighbors Estonia, Latvia, and Poland. New layers of defenses are being planned to delay an enemy’s advance, even if it might take years to fully implement. While the threat of an imminent invasion may appear unlikely at the moment—thanks to Moscow’s entanglements elsewhere—citizens in Lithuania show no signs of complacency. Instead, they remind each other that while the world watches closely, they must continue to actively defend their nation. After all, as one local aptly put it, “Our soul is our soil,” and protecting it is the ultimate duty of every proud Lithuanian.
