Lithuania claims it foiled Russian, Belarusian plot to stage violent attacks

By Ahmet Gencturk

ATHENS (AA) - Lithuania’s intelligence agency has reportedly thwarted a plan by Russian and Belarusian intelligence services to stage violent attacks targeting the Belarusian community in an attempt to stoke fear and smear the country’s image, local media said Wednesday.

According to public broadcaster LRT, the Lithuanian State Security Department (VSD) said the alleged plot aimed to instill fear in the Belarusian diaspora and portray Lithuania as xenophobic.

The VSD revealed that individuals posing as citizens of another EU country approached Belarusian students in the capital Vilnius, inviting them to participate in a staged music video.

Those who agreed were reportedly to be lured to a designated meeting point, where they would be assaulted by individuals pretending to be Lithuanian ultranationalists -- allegedly recruited by Russian and Belarusian operatives.

The VSD said it uncovered and prevented the plan before any harm occurred.

The agency warned that Russian and Belarusian intelligence activities in Lithuania remain aggressive and urged citizens to avoid provocations and report suspicious behavior.

VSD also said that since 2023, Russian and Belarusian operatives have conducted information and psychological operations in Lithuania.