Intelligence Assessment Raises Security Concerns as NATO Member Strengthens Protection of Key Facilities 
Lithuania has warned that Russia is preparing attacks targeting critical infrastructure, citing intelligence assessments that point to an increased risk of sabotage against energy networks, transport systems and other strategic facilities.
The warning was issued by Lithuanian officials on Tuesday as the Baltic nation, a member of NATO and the European Union, announced additional security measures to protect vital infrastructure amid heightened tensions with Moscow. The government said it has received intelligence indicating that Russia is planning operations designed to disrupt essential services rather than launch a conventional military assault.
According to Lithuanian authorities, the anticipated attacks are expected to take the form of hybrid operations, including cyberattacks, sabotage, disinformation campaigns and covert actions targeting critical infrastructure. Officials said such tactics are intended to undermine public confidence, disrupt economic activity and test the resilience of NATO member states without triggering a full-scale military confrontation.
Speaking after a national security briefing, Lithuanian officials stressed that there is currently no indication of an imminent large-scale Russian military invasion of the Baltic states. However, they warned that the threat of sabotage has increased significantly and requires enhanced vigilance across government agencies and private infrastructure operators.
Lithuania has already increased security around power stations, electricity grids, telecommunications infrastructure, transportation hubs and other strategic facilities. Authorities are also working closely with NATO allies to strengthen intelligence sharing and improve preparedness for potential hybrid threats.
The warning comes amid growing concern across Europe over what Western governments describe as a rise in Russian hybrid activities since the start of the war in Ukraine. Several European countries have reported cyberattacks, suspected sabotage incidents and attempts to interfere with critical infrastructure, prompting governments to review emergency response plans and reinforce security measures.
Lithuania, which shares borders with the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad and Belarus, has repeatedly warned that Russia could intensify hybrid operations against NATO's eastern flank. Earlier this year, Lithuanian intelligence also reported that Russia was expanding military units near NATO's borders while continuing to modernize its armed forces despite the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The Kremlin has consistently denied allegations that it is planning attacks against NATO member states and has accused Western governments of exaggerating the Russian threat to justify increased defence spending and military deployments in Eastern Europe.
NATO officials have not announced any change to the alliance's military posture following Lithuania's latest warning but continue to emphasize collective defence and close coordination among member states. Security analysts say protecting critical infrastructure—including energy networks, communications systems and transport links—has become an increasingly important priority as hybrid threats evolve across Europe.
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