Lithuania launches military exercises in 12 municipalities as larger multinational drill runs on Belarusian border

Lithuania has begun military exercises currently taking place across 12 municipalities nationwide. The drills come as Russia continues activity widely seen as probing NATO's eastern border, keeping tension in the region elevated.

Larger drill on the Belarusian border

At the same time as Lithuania's nationwide exercises, a larger multinational military exercise is underway on the border with Belarus. It involves roughly 2,500 troops from eight different countries, reflecting a simultaneous and coordinated presence of multiple NATO allies in the region.

Two exercises, one backdrop

Both exercises — Lithuania's domestic drill spanning 12 municipalities and the larger international exercise on the Belarusian border — are running concurrently. This is taking place against a backdrop of continued Russian activity along NATO's eastern flank, prompting allied countries to maintain heightened military readiness in the Baltic region.