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Lithuania trains civilians in defense tactics to deter potential Russian aggression

CBS News reports that Lithuania is preparing students and adult volunteers in military survival skills and drone tactics.

The short version

  • Lithuanian schools and adult volunteers are undergoing training in military-style survival skills amid concerns over regional conflict.[CBS News]
  • Instruction incorporates warfare lessons from Ukraine, focusing on how to operate and counter aerial drones.[CBS News]
  • Lithuania's defense minister said the nation does not fear Russia, while supporters view civilian readiness as a key deterrent.[CBS News]
  • Past NATO assessments had questioned whether Lithuania's territory could be defended against a major assault given its geographical position.[CBS News]

Key facts

  • Lithuania is instructing high school students and adult civilians in military-style survival tactics.[CBS News]
  • Civilian preparation programs incorporate lessons from Ukraine, including operating and disabling drones.[CBS News]
  • Lithuanian Defense Minister Robertas Kaunas stated that the country's message to Russia is that it does not fear them.[CBS News]
  • NATO planners until recently doubted Lithuania could withstand a full Russian assault given its geography.[CBS News]

What remains uncertain

  • The extent to which civilian readiness efforts can effectively counter military threats previously questioned by NATO planners remains unverified.[CBS News]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.