Zelensky Offers Aid to Lithuania Amid Belarusian Hybrid Threats

Zelensky and Nausėda Discuss Regional Security

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a telephone conversation with Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda on November 5, 2025, during which Zelensky offered Ukraine's assistance to Lithuania in addressing threats emanating from Belarus. The discussion specifically focused on hybrid attacks, including those involving migration waves and aerial objects.

Following the call, President Zelensky stated, 'We discussed potential threats to Lithuania from Belarus through hybrid attacks using migration waves and aerial objects. I offered our assistance. We will work to ensure greater security in our region and for our friendly Lithuania.'

Lithuania's Reciprocal Support and Ongoing Threats

In a reciprocal gesture, President Nausėda offered Lithuania's support to Ukraine with gas supplies ahead of the winter season. Lithuania is prepared to provide continuous deliveries of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Ukraine via the Klaipėda terminal. The Lithuanian president's press service also indicated Vilnius's commitment to achieving tangible progress in negotiations for Ukraine's accession to the European Union by the end of the year.

The conversation underscored the shared security challenges faced by both nations. Lithuania has been a steadfast ally to Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, a fact President Zelensky acknowledged and appreciated.

Context of Belarusian Hybrid Attacks

Lithuania has repeatedly accused Belarus of orchestrating hybrid attacks, a strategy that has intensified in recent years. These attacks primarily involve:

• Instrumentalization of Migration: Since 2021, Belarus has been accused of facilitating and directing migrants, largely from the Middle East and North Africa, towards the borders of Lithuania, Poland, and Latvia. This tactic is widely regarded by the EU and independent observers as a form of hybrid warfare, initiated in response to deteriorating Belarus-EU relations and sanctions.
• Aerial Objects and Contraband: More recently, Lithuania has faced incidents involving 'smuggling balloons' or 'aerial objects' carrying contraband cigarettes from Belarus. These incidents have led to temporary closures of airports, including Vilnius and Kaunas, and border crossings. Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė has authorized the shooting down of such balloons, labeling them as 'hybrid attacks.'

The relationship between Lithuania and Belarus has been strained for several years, exacerbated by the migration crisis, Belarus's complicity in the war against Ukraine, and concerns regarding potential intelligence infiltration. Lithuania has responded by closing border crossings and implementing stricter vetting procedures for Belarusian citizens.

Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation

The phone call between the two leaders reaffirms the strong bilateral ties and mutual support between Ukraine and Lithuania in the face of regional instability. Both nations continue to coordinate their efforts in diplomacy and security to counter external pressures and ensure stability in Eastern Europe.