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If you know of information that you think is related to national security threats – that there is a threat or there may be a threat – immediately inform the State Security Department (VSD) about it.

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ENTRY
INTRODUCTION
FOREWORD
SUMMARY
RUSSIA
Reduced Western pressure on Moscow would accelerate Russia’s preparations for conflict with NATO
Russia is expanding its military capabilities near NATO’s eastern borders despite losses in the war
Russia actively uses electronic warfare capabilities in Kaliningrad
Russian military industry prepares for a new phase of expansion
Russia increases pressure on Ukraine’s supporters
The GRU is changing the methods of conducting kinetic operations and expanding the range of targets
The FSB is actively conducting intelligence activities against Lithuania by regularly recruiting individuals who travel from Lithuania to Russia
Intensified Russia’s UAV attacks against Ukraine have led to an increase in violations of Lithuanian airspace
It is highly likely that the situation in the Baltic Sea will remain tense – Russia is determined to protect its commercial interests by any means necessary
Russia rather adapts to an economic slowdown than changes its military ambitions
During the strategic exercise Zapad 2025 Russia applied lessons learned in Ukraine
Moscow tries to intimidate the West by creating the myth of the invincible Oreshnik missile
Despite the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, Russia will maintain its military capabilities in Syria
Russia expands its activities in Africa to maintain its image as a global power
BELARUS
Lukashenka is easing international isolation of the Belarusian regime but does not abandon authoritarian practices or the country’s orientation towards Russia
Relations with China help Belarus to reduce the impact of international isolation
Belarus’s use of extremist watchlists and remote recruitment of agents in its fight against the democratic opposition poses a threat to Lithuania
CHINA
China seeks to reshape the international order by forming a bloc of anti-Western states
The use of Chinese artificial intelligence chatbots presents challenges in terms of personal data security and information censorship
China is consistently increasing its military power in order to ensure its security interests and expand its influence
Intensifying military cooperation between Russia and China signals a strengthening strategic partnership
ECONOMIC AND ENERGY SECURITY
Belarus is committed to the development of nuclear energy in the vicinity of the Lithuanian border
Entities working against Lithuania’s national security interests continue to target strategically important infrastructure and projects, but their methods of operation are changing
Although the scale of international sanctions circumvention remains high, the operating models have not changed
Russian and Belarusian entities seek to operate in the technology sector and use companies established in Lithuania to develop and acquire technologies
Western science and research institutions are in the crosshairs of hostile states
CYBER SECURITY
Cyberattacks are increasing in scale and becoming more destructive
INFLUENCE ACTIVITIES AGAINST LITHUANIA
Pro-Russian individuals contribute to the implementation of hostile states’ goals in Lithuania
Russia is stepping up its information campaigns on social networks, using constant propaganda narratives to support them
Despite declaring a strive for greater independence, the Orthodox Diocese of Vilnius and Lithuania remains dependent on the Moscow Patriarchate
EXTREMISM AND TERRORISM
The rise in popularity of nihilistic right-wing extremism among psychologically vulnerable minors is increasing the likelihood of ‘lone wolf’ attacks
Islamist terrorist organisations and their followers are targeting minors
The threat of terrorism in Europe will remain high
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The GRU is changing the methods of conducting kinetic operations and expanding the range of targets

The GRU is changing the methods of conducting kinetic operations and expanding the range of targets

Despite the prevention of several dozen acts of sabotage in Western countries over the past three years, the units of the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces (GRU), which are specially trained to carry out sabotage operations and assassinations, highly likely continue to plan and coordinate operations of this nature. According to intelligence, the GRU is seeking to improve the implementation of its operations and address their chaotic execution. By using a long chain of intermediaries, the GRU is looking for more experienced individuals with criminal records willing to carry out operations for a relatively small financial reward.

The GRU is seeking to carry out more dangerous operations in Western countries, including Lithuania, by recruiting more experienced individuals. These operations could pose a greater threat to public security. In Europe, the GRU has targeted monuments that do not align with Russia’s historical narrative, as well as shopping centres, restaurants, public transportation infrastructure, and facilities related to military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine. We assess that currently, some of the GRU’s main targets are individuals who support Ukraine and opponents of the Putin regime who have left Russia due to their criticism of the regime.

When planning operations, the GRU does not take into consideration the likelihood of collateral damage or damage to objects unrelated to the operation; therefore, it often uses dangerous methods of execution. This service has organised several operations in the region, using homemade incendiary devices or explosives disguised as household appliances. Thanks to successful cooperation between Lithuanian institutions and foreign partners, the planned operations have been prevented and their perpetrators arrested.

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Russia increases pressure on Ukraine’s supporters The FSB is actively conducting intelligence activities against Lithuania by regularly recruiting individuals who travel from Lithuania to Russia
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