NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY OF LITHUANIA IN THE CONDITIONS OF RUSSIAN AGGRESSION IN UKRAINE

Abstract

The article examines the evolution of Lithuania's national security strategy in the context of Russian military aggression in Ukraine. The main components of countering elements of hybrid warfare, the updated national security strategy, which took into account the growing changes in geopolitical challenges, are analyzed. Threats to sovereignty in the context of war in Eastern Europe are highlighted. Among the new challenges to the security system, disguised military and intelligence assets used by foreign states for potential negative impact on the political system of Lithuania, its military power, law enforcement agencies or socio-economic stability are indicated. Among the risk factors, the stability of the unity of the Euro-Atlantic community is highlighted, which is influenced by processes of a general and regional nature, the activities of third countries that may weaken transatlantic relations, NATO's obligations regarding collective defense, and the ability of the European Union to pursue a common policy. The decisive role in the formation of Lithuania's national security strategy is affirmed by membership in NATO, the EU and military support from the United States. The steps of the Lithuanian authorities towards the implementation of the national security strategy in countering the migration crisis, closing the borders with Russia and Belarus, joining the sanctions against the aggressor, purchasing additional weapons, implementing measures to prepare for the mobilization of the necessary state resources; as well as strengthening cybersecurity, protecting critical infrastructure, countering disinformation and propaganda are analyzed. The article emphasizes the constant and active support for the territorial integrity of Ukraine by providing it with comprehensive assistance in repelling the armed aggression of the Russian Federation. Lithuania lobbies the interests of Ukraine on international platforms, and the implementation of the Lithuanian civil resistance plan, which provides for the creation of a more resilient civil society, as well as determining the role of state institutions in this process, serves as an example for study.