Lithuania is strengthening its border with Belarus: the first fortifications have been installed. Photo

The representative of the Lithuanian Ministry of Defence, Laurinas Kasciunas, showed the first barrier structures on the border with Belarus. Vilnius has become seriously concerned about the increase in the number of mercenaries of the Russian PMC Wagner in the neighbouring republic, which has led to the need to strengthen external defence.

The official posted footage from the Shumsk border crossing on his Facebook page. Another 19 fortifications will be built ahead.

"If necessary, these engineering structures will be used to stop the enemy. This will be done within a year, and the first park will be installed in autumn. In addition, an analysis of natural obstacles is being carried out and the terrain of Lithuania is being assessed to maximise the effectiveness of the measures taken," he said in a statement.

Kasciunas added that not only the government, but also Lithuanian society agrees with the need to strengthen defence on the border with the Lukashenko regime. People are aware that funds should be allocated, distributed and integrated into defence plans before the enemy attempts to cross the state border.

"I am convinced that we will move forward at a rapid pace, and Lithuania will once again prove that it is a responsible and reliable ally that not only contributes to the strengthening of national security, but also consistently and actively takes care of it," the author of the publication concluded.

As OBOZREVATEL previously reported, on 15 August, Latvia officially increased the protection of the state border with Belarus and mobilised the State Border Guard Service. The day before, the Latvian security forces stopped 96 attempts to cross the external border of the state from Belarus.

At the same time, former US Army Europe Commander Ben Hodges stressed that if Wagner mercenaries attempted to attack one of Belarus' neighbouring countries, they would be defeated in the first hours.

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