Lithuania has begun military exercises with volunteers near the border with Russia

Large-scale exercises by the Volunteer Border Guard Forces, code-named “Strong Shield – 2,” have begun in a border region of Lithuania located near the strategically important Suwalki Corridor and the Kaliningrad Oblast of the Russian Federation. 

The military exercises will take place from June 8 to 14 to test the combat readiness of defense units and practice tactical maneuvers under conditions of real security threats. 

During the exercises, the ability of the headquarters and units to plan and conduct operations, coordinate actions, and interact with other units of the Lithuanian Armed Forces and NATO allies will be assessed. In addition to regular troops and volunteers, members of the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union will be involved in carrying out the tasks, and a significant portion of the operations will take place directly in civilian areas, both during daylight and at night. 

The exercise organizers are paying special attention to communication with the local population and the refinement of defense procedures within populated areas. The Ministry of Defense identifies the key objectives of the maneuvers as strengthening cooperation between military personnel and civil society, increasing public trust in the Lithuanian Army and NATO allied forces, and developing soldiers’ sustained skills in performing combat missions in a civilian environment. To this end, the exercises will involve close coordination and cooperation with state and municipal institutions, non-governmental organizations, and representatives of the private sector.