Lithuania to vet new airport operator board member over Russia links

Lithuania's State Security Department has announced an in-depth review of Oleksandr Lanetskyi, who was appointed this week as a board member of the state enterprise "Lithuanian Airports." The review follows concerns raised over his earlier business connections with Russia and Belarus.

Lanetskyi's appointment to the board took place only this week, but questions about his business history quickly emerged, focused on possible links to the two countries, both of which are viewed in Lithuania as sources of security risk amid ongoing regional tensions.

Opposition raises concerns

Opposition politicians in Lithuania have said that confirming Lanetskyi in such a significant position could pose a threat to national security. They argue that airport management is a strategically sensitive area, meaning individuals with possible ties to Russia or Belarus warrant particular scrutiny before holding such roles.

The State Security Department's review aims to determine whether Lanetskyi's past business dealings could present genuine risks to national security or the protection of critical infrastructure. No official findings have been made public so far.