Lithuania has declared a state of emergency due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, following a state of emergency in Luxembourg. The country has banned Russian airlines from entering its airspace, and in retaliation, Russia has banned Lithuanian flights. Officials and locals are prepared for potential involvement in the Ukraine war, with a sense of resilience dominating.
The crime rate is low, but violent crime, including mugging, occurs. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occasionally occurs. To reduce your risk, beware of pickpockets in busy locations and on public transport, avoid unlit streets and parks at night, and be cautious. Lithuania is an incredibly safe country with low crime levels in major cities.
Political tension is present, but it won’t impact your personal safety when traveling. As long as you apply common sense and don’t go, you can safely walk around. FCDO travel advice for Lithuania includes safety and security, insurance, entry requirements, and legal differences. Violent crime is rare, but drink spiking has been reported. Travellers have reported being drugged and robbed, and don’t accept food or drink from strangers.
The chancellor warned that actively expressing one’s stance can lead to more serious conflicts when tourists may need consular assistance. Residents of Lithuanian towns bordering Belarus feel unsafe despite authorities bolstering security amid Russia’s assault on Ukraine.
📹 Why Everyone is Leaving Lithuania, Explained!
Explore the rich history and breathtaking sights of Lithuania in this informative video! From its days as the largest land in Europe to …
Is Latvia or Lithuania safer?
Latvia ranks among the safest countries in the world with a crime index below 38. Estonia and Lithuania also rank high, with Estonia ranking 15th and Lithuania 13th respectively. Estonia, with a small population of 1. 3 million, has a higher rate of violence against women, but has a high safety index of over 76 out of 100. Lithuania ranks eighth globally for gender equality and has the best ratings on education regarding violence against women, with only 2% of the population believing a man is justified in violence against a woman.
Are Americans welcome in Lithuania?
Americans prefer Lithuania due to its visa exemption policy, allowing them to travel without a visa for up to 90 days in 180 days. However, visa-free travelers will soon need to apply for ETIAS, which will be fully operational from 2025, ensuring a visa-free Lithuania for U. S. citizens.
Is Vilnius safe at night?
Vilnius is a safe city, but it’s important to be cautious at night and avoid showing off wealth, especially for Western Europeans. There’s minimal violent crime, and random incidents are rare.
Is it safe to travel to Moscow now?
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCDO) advises against all travel to Russia due to the risks and threats posed by Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine. The situation in Russia is unpredictable, with security incidents like drone attacks occurring in some parts, limited flights to the UK, and limited government assistance. Terrorists are also likely to carry out attacks in major cities. The security situation in Russia is characterized by drone attacks and explosions in western and southern Russia, particularly near the Russian border with Ukraine.
Is it safe to travel to the Baltic states right now?
The Baltic states are known for their safety, with no special precautions needed. To ensure a comfortable stay, use common sense and avoid straying off the beaten track. With many tourists in summer, you won’t stand out and can make new friends. Additionally, there’s no need to sacrifice comfort for a comfortable stay in Eastern Europe. Despite the potential for second-rate accommodation, there’s no need to sacrifice comfort during your Baltics stay. Overall, the Baltic states offer a safe and enjoyable experience for travelers.
Will Russia war affect travel?
The Russia-Ukraine conflict, which began in 2014, has significantly impacted the Russian tourism industry, affecting both inbound and outbound tourism. The conflict has led to a decline in inbound tourism to Russia, creating instability and uncertainty, leading many tourists to choose safer destinations. Western sanctions have also contributed to this decline, making travel to Russia more difficult for foreigners.
This decrease in tourism has had a significant economic impact on Russia, as tourism is an essential source of revenue, and the decline in tourist numbers has resulted in a decrease in tourism-related revenue, impacting other sectors of the economy that rely on tourism, such as hospitality and retail.
The conflict has also led to changes in the demographics of tourists visiting Russia, with fewer tourists from Western countries and an increase in tourists from other regions, such as Asia. This has required the tourism industry to adapt to meet the needs and preferences of these new demographics.
What is the safest country in Europe in case of war?
Switzerland, known for its political neutrality, boasts mountainous terrain, landlocked geography, and numerous nuclear shelters, providing a formidable defense against war-torn countries. Indonesia, known for its neutral foreign policy, focuses on independent action in international affairs and fostering global peace. Tuvalu, located in the Pacific Ocean, is a secluded and politically non-aligned nation with a small population and negligible resources. Its unique self-sufficiency and ability to produce its own food and necessities ensure its independence and likely isolation in a war scenario.
Is it safe to fly to Lithuania now?
Lithuania’s Level 1 exercise guidelines recommend normal precautions, so please refer to the country information page for further details on travel to Lithuania.
Is it safe to travel to Latvia because of war?
The latest update advises normal safety precautions in Latvia and reconsiders travel to areas near the Belarus border due to petty crime, particularly in Riga Old Town, central train and bus stations, Riga Central Market, parks, and major hotel routes, as well as drink spiking.
Is it safe to travel to Europe due to war?
Travelers are advised to exercise caution in Europe, particularly in Eastern Europe and countries bordering Ukraine, due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The situation is being closely monitored, and while no escalation or impacts outside of Ukraine are anticipated, it is possible that it may change with little to no notice. Travelers should monitor media reports and sign up for country-specific email updates from International SOS and the US Department of State. Protests are also being observed in Europe due to the conflict and rising gas and energy prices. It is advised to avoid protests while abroad, as they can become violent with little to no notice.
Can tourists visit Russia now?
The US advises US citizens to avoid travel to Russia due to the destabilization caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In October 2022, the Russian government declared martial law in several border areas with Ukraine, including Bryansk, Kursk, Belgorod, Voronezh, Rostov, and Krasnodar. Consultations at the US Embassy Moscow and Consulate General Vladivostok are suspended, and all consular services should be contacted at the Embassy Moscow.
📹 Will Russia INVADE Lithuania?
It’s crazy to think that, at the time of making this video, it’s been about two years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of …
Small correction: Lithuania was illegally occupied and annexed by the USSR, but it did not become the Lithuanian SSR – nor it later became the Republic of Lithuania. The Republic of Lithuania was founded in 1918 and during the occupation remained recognised in the Western world, maintaining the diplomatic relations and institutions. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/State_continuity_of_the_Baltic_states en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithuanian_Diplomatic_Service
I love Lithuania, so much that I would like to go live there one day, but to my fellow Europeans from this country I only say: don’t worry. Because the master strategist of the Kremlin can’t even take Avdiivka, let alone a Nato country 😁😁 P.s. I’m trying to learn the Lithuanian language and it’s been super funny for me 😊
there is a speculation that russian invasion of ukraine was a test to see how united NATO is and that russian analytics colossally miscalculated and didn’t expect such support to Ukraine. the result is – NATO expanded to russian borders and Baltic sea became Lake NATO so russian navy will have a bad time. Also after NATO summit some articles were adjusted from “in case of invasion retake in some time” to “defend at all cost and don’t let take hold”. My biggest fear is not the invasion but putin’s scorched earth delusions.
In 1990 I was among Lithuania freedom movement not because understood about freedom well, but because it was clear how Soviet regime is evolving. Economically and politically the system is obsolete, does not work. Very harsh repressions are necessary to maintain one party planned economy regime on power. North Korea regime is natural outcome of soviet system. Later I was hoping that Russia is transformed too, soviet times are over for good. But… Putin does not need Ukraine as territory or economy. He needs to subdue different, not his rule in similar nation. And he needs wars to subdue his own nation. I’m afraid he can attack Lithuania. Not because he needs some road or he actually needs Kaliningrad itself. His regime needs some “patriotic” war. If his war in Ukraine goes for him too well or too bad, he’ll probably start another war. There is political – cultural campaign about Litvins started in Belarus explaining why Vilnius belongs to Belarus. It means that Lithuania is among countries to get ready to protect itself.
If Russia tries to invade Lithuania it will be the end of russian occupation of East Prussia known as Oblast Kaliningrad. The Bundeswehr is already sent to Lithuania to help defending just in case and Poland is also setting up defenses in Mazuria and in Suwalki. The will result in an independent fourth baltic country instead of an Oblast Kaliningrad which is beeing forbidden to ever unite with Russia again much like Austria was forbidden to unite with Germany.
Thank you for the article! Being myself russian, I see common mistakes in reasoning whether Russia is going to attack any country, caused by a lack of understanding of how the regime works. Let’s consider a few facts, which will help better understand the situation: 1. The regime in Russia is an information autocracy. This means that people are removed from governing the country and are not able to influence any decisions being made. 2. Autocracy is based on propaganda and imitation. The power of the army, the inviolability of the regime, and Putin’s enormous global influence are simulated. In reality, budgets are being stolen, medicine and education are in decline, the army is not equipped and unorganized, and is not ready to fight. 3. The ONLY goal of the regime is to rule as long as possible. Putin’s rating falls to the bottom, and in order to maintain power, he took advantage of the crisis in Ukraine in 2014 to occupy Crimea (then propaganda attributes this event to the protection of Russians, and the return of their native lands to Russia. People believe this, due to the TV claiming that 24/7). Putin’s rating grow, and he can easily fake 70–80% in the elections. Now fast forward to 2022, Putin has another election upcoming, and no one supports him. Special services and intelligence report to Putin that there is a crisis in Ukraine, there is no army, and officials have been bribed. He was not going to fight: troops entered Ukraine in full parade uniform, just like they entered Crimea.
You base your opinion on fact that NATO will respond with the article 5. But what if they don’t? These war talks are based on case where russia gets something from Ukraine and only after that the war in Baltics is an option in 3 to 5 years. If russia gets anything from Ukraine in this war it means three things: 1. russia won against rules based world order and the whole world can do whatever they want. China, Iran etc. 2. domestically it’s russian victory since they won against west USA Europe and so on. This is good propaganda for recruitment. 3. West lost, which means characters like Orban would be rewarded therefore breeding more of such lowlife in western government. Potentially and eventually eroding western unity. Russians calculate full invasion of Baltics based on how much 3rd point is going to be true. If the west is going to tumble they’ll just grab Baltics. If the west is somewhat intact they will for sure going to do some probing some green men in Ukraine kinda thing just to see what’s the reaction. So the war is absolutely a possibility if Ukraine doesn’t get back all of their lands. This task lays on European leaders, but in two years they haven’t made a clear goal of what Ukrainian victory means and the military help that EU is providing is laughable. The war is a real possibility.
I don’t get the point of the whole war, Russia wants to occupy it’s neighboring countries but they turn into no-mans land, It’s a loss-loss scenario. The point of wars are money and power, everybody loses if NATO and Russia clash. Economy as we know it will crash. It’s stupid and pointless, everybody is dying without a reason.
One flag that Russia is really preparing to invade the Baltic states or Finland would be the re-routing of oil exports from Russia’s Baltic sea ports (Primorsk and Ust-Luga). Estonia and/or Finland could easily destroy those terminals, which are currently too important for the Russian economy to lose. While there is insufficient capacity to export this oil and gas by other routes, there is no way Russia would invade these countries.
Thinking a bit more about it: in late Feb 2024 Russia recreated its Moscow and Leningrad Military Districts. One version is the former will advance towards Kaliningrad oblast through Belarus and Suwalki gap (assisted by the Belarussian army) and is responsible for isolating the Baltics from the rest of NATO. The latter’s goal will then be to defeat the isolated Baltics with the help of the local 5th columns (ethnic Russians who live in the Baltics and support Russia). The next stage will be a nuclear ultimatum demanding recognition of Russia’s sovereignty over Ukraine in exchange for partially pulling the troops from he Baltics.
You’ve missed two important points. First is about the upcoming US elections, and Trump’s statements that he won’t help the EU in case of attack. Another is that Article 5 does not mean that all members mandatorily declare war against the aggressor, it means that they will help as much as they consider. So at the moment, it’s possible that members like Hungary and Slovakia won’t do a thing, and the rest would depend on the level of deterioration of democracies taking into account isolationist moods all over.
Виходячи з того, що я бачу і читаю в московитських пабліках, мізки в громадян московії настільки промиті, що вони марять відновленням радянського союзу і поверненням жорсткого правління накшталт сталіна. Я також читала інтерв’ю одного американського генерала, який вважав, що то було щастя б країн Балтії, що путін та Со вирішили почати з України. Бо тоді московити їх давно вже захопили б. А НАТО все продовжувало б консультуватися і радитися 🤔
very well done! I don’t dare make a guess as to what will happen, but as an American (who is generally not very patriotic), I’d hate to be on the side of the people that have to deal with the force that is NATO (and some of the most destructive military tech on the planet!) – it is a very scary situation.
Anders Puck Nielsen published a article recently sharing his view on what Russia’s intentions are and what form the “attack” on NATO could take place. I recommend to watch it to get a better understanding. In short, Russia would never go into a war with all of NATO because it would stand no chance. What Russia may try to do is to create a situation when some NATO countries would express doubts about the necessity to take action when NATO Article 5 would be invoked. Basically divide NATO and expose its weaknesses. Attack would likely not take place in the Baltics or Poland and would not be a territory grab, because it’s way too risky for Russia and there are way to many forces in the region. It may try something in the north of Finland which is very remote, nobody lives there and it would be a perfect ground to perform a “managed escalation” and expose NATO’s inability to take decisive action. This doesn’t mean it will happen, but such scenario is certainly more realistic than invading Baltics.
If we try to find any logical explanation or motive behind Russia actions in Ukraine, that might be natural resources, which Ukraine is rich with. Countries like LT, LV or EE have no strategical or monetary gain. The only thing they would get from occupation is population who deeply hate them, which would lead to constant troubles, partisan movement and total instability in European side of Russia. To solve Baltic population problem they would have to step to holocaust, which would erase Russia from international map. People behind Putin like FSB and oligarchs would rather take him out, than make Russia fall apart. Additionally, if NATO steps in Russia would lose 90% of their territory, since everything behind Ural is not Russia, but ex-sovereign regions with different cultures, which were unified under force, China would take big piece of that too. So if we compare what they get versus what they lose, this is no brainer even for a kid.
No I feel like the west has also gotten one thing about Russia wrong Russia mostly only wants countries with pro Russian views and where a lot of Russians live but here in Lithuania there aren’t that many Russians anyways and even though Lithuania is less woke and western than a lot of countries it would still be hard for Russia to handle the people here and people would protest I just don’t see them invading or trying to keep Lithuania under their control it’s a huge of a different situation for Ukraine that country is still heavily corrupt and not as western as many may think also I don’t think they’d start World War 3 for a small little country that as I said doesn’t even speak their language or have any similar culture traits after 30 years of being apart of course Latvia and Estonia that’s a different story but Lithuania I heavily doubt they’d invade.
Chances are slim to 0. Initialy there was some risk due to there being potential strategies that would prevent supplies and units from entering the region to reinforce the defence, but now that is impossible as supplies and forces can freely move through Sweden and Finland due to NATO membership. All hope of creating a foothold is lost. NATO is in full control of the Baltic Sea already.
Between year 1000-1991 Ukraine have Been Ukraine for 2 years… The Place on the map that is Ukraine Today was: A part of Lithuania untill year 1570… A part of Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth between year 1570-1650… Devided between Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and Cossack Hetmante between year 1650-1657… A part of Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, Tsardom of Russia and a tiny part Cossack Hetmanate between year 1657-1686… A part of Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, Tsardom of Russia between 1657-1793… Was Russian Empire Between 1794-1917… Became UKRAINE IN 1918-1919… Then it became a part of Bolsheviks 1919-1922… Then it became Soviet Union from 1922-1941… Then it became Reichskommissariat Ukraine under Nazi Germany 1941-1944… Then it was devided between Reichskommissariat Ukraine and USSR between 1944-1945… Then it became Soviet Union in 1945-1991… Then it became UKRAINE from Untill 1991-2014 When it started to attack their own eastern population… And the new Ukraine state got into bed with Neo nazis and the American Neocons. You could even get a fine if spoken Russian in Ukraine, even doh 40% of the country spoke it as their main language… Even Zelensky strugle with speaking Ukraine… And it dont help that USA wanted their millitary bases there and armed the neo nasiz and the new goverment that was anti russian… Cant say USA would have done any thing different if it was Russia doing this in Mexico.
There is no upcoming reason for Putin to deal with Lithuania. First of all, we gotta remember that Ukraine and Russia had somewhat bad relationships since civil war in Ukraine, and it could be that Putin had some personal hate towards Ukraine which lead to war. Who wasn’t blind knew months ahead that war is most likely coming. Also he ain’t stupid and ain’t going to start yet another war while still haven’t finished things in Ukraine. And finally, since Lithuania borders mostly with Belarus and not Russia, so there is some influence has to be made towards belarusian president to contribute (he’s unlike Putin rather peaceful man and still haven’t sent any people to war thanks God)
Easy run for russians. NATO forces in Lithuania and both rest Baltic states are small. Geography of country is weak. Moreover, after years the war in Ukraine, russians have experienced soldiers. And the most important – russians do not pay much attention to their casualties. 5-7 days and its over for Lithuania. And its a big question, will USA react in this case. Think they will not risk to begin the nuclear war.
0:32 what about georgia? why is nobody giving us closure about what may happen to our country? why is some stupid US state showing up every time i want to hear something about my country, why does the world not call us sakartvelo like we actually are instead of whatever bullshit name georgia is, why can’t i hear about my country’s future?
Sorry, but this person does not understand the situation. Russia does not fight head on, but using hybrid warfare. This went wrong in Ukraine in 2022, but it is the main strategy. The goal is not to occupy Lithuania; the goal is to eliminate US influence and involvement in Europe and NATO as a viable organisation. What is NATO’s motto? We will not surrender one square cm of land to an enemy. Lithuania has a little appendage projecting into Belarus. Will NATO declare war if Russia seizes this appendage? If NATO does not, it will appear weak. If it does, it appears silly. Right now, we are conducting very large scale wargames to defend the the Suwalki gap. This was not explained here. With Sweden and Finland joining NATO, the Baltic Sea has become a NATO lake. In the event of a war, Russia will be unable to resupply Kaliningrad and so will lose it, potentially without a shot being fired as it is not self-sustaining: too many people for the agricultural output. The shortest route is along the border between Poland and Lithuania. This means that on one side, Russian forces would be fighting Poland, on the other, Lithuania. Can these two countries conduct a joint military campaign? Will Lithuania being willing to attack targets on the Polish side of the border and vice versa? Will these forces be allowed to enter the other’s territory? If Polish forces destroy a Russian unit in a Lithuanian building, who pays for reconstruction? Now if Russia can create a land bridge to Kaliningrad, they can rescue their exclave while at the same time making the Baltics an exclave that would need to be resupplied through the Baltic Sea.
The Baltic countries were bought by the Russian Tsar Peter the First in 1721 from Sweden and then over time, an entire infrastructure was built in these 3 countries (Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia) when they were part of the USSR. In simple words, the Russians gave the Baltic states freedom and everything they have and what they still use and at the same time hate the Russians. For what? People all over the world need to familiarize themselves with history before labeling Russia as the aggressor, because these Baltic countries still hold parades/honoring of the fascists who participated in the Second World War on Hitler’s side. History is very important.
In Lithuania it would be way different from ukraine…firstly they would launch dozens of self made worthless drones to triger our air defense system, then when they would know the location of air defense systems, they might lauch some kinzals or iskanders to those places, and at last then, they would launch ground troops, tanks, combat vehicles and even combat jets and helis. They did otherwise in ukraine, troops came first, got kinda anihilated, then they launched barages of rockets to the cities, airports, military compaunds. And do not forget, to go from north to east Lithuania is like +400km (its a piece of care compared to ukraine teritory) so even if Nato would interfere, Lithuania would be a plain desert in month or weeks… and that sht is scary as fck.. :\\
Will Russia invade Lithuania? Well, Russia’s 2021 December ultimatum was for NATO to retreat to its 1997 borders which does not include Lithuania. Guess what, if Europe & NATO keep behaving the way they do, it will most certainly embolden Russia – they will not only take the Suwalki gap but also occupy all the Baltics and probably a part of Poland also.
Well, as for Ukraine the facts are different from your story Febryary 18 th 2014, the Nazi Right sector went to Rada, shot 13 guys from Berkut, police Andrey was from the city where I live, Crimea He had two sons Why did Ukrainian Naxi kill his Dad?Shooting both sides was February 20 th, February 18 th Nazi went to kill At er the funerals, anti-Ukrainian demonstrations started in Crimea, in every city and town People asked Russia for help Russia helped us, defended Crimea the same way as Turkey did 50 years ago It was liberation, Turekey is NATO member, isnt it?Double western standards in action 🙂