Russian state media threatens Lithuania with "short" special military operation

Russia's state-run RIA Novosti news agency has threatened Lithuania with what it described as “another short special military operation”.

The agency published a column by Alexander Nosovich titled “Russia faces another special military operation. It will be very short”, according to ASTRA.

The article followed a decision by Lithuania's parliament to lift a constitutional ban on the deployment of nuclear weapons in the country.

Nosovich compared a potential conflict in the Baltic states with the war in Ukraine, saying Russia could avoid deploying ground forces and instead use “only missiles with the appropriate payload”.

“The decision is not just quick, but instantaneous. Do not underestimate seconds,” he wrote.

The publication comes amid discussions over a possible Russian attack on NATO countries.

On September 19, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Moscow had no plans to attack Europe and was ready to restore relations with its European neighbours.

Speaking at a meeting of Russia’s Military-Industrial Commission, Putin accused some European leaders of portraying Russia as a threat to justify what he called excessive spending related to the war in Ukraine.

“I want to state once again: Russia has no aggressive intentions toward Europe or European countries,” Putin said. “There are simply no grounds for this whatsoever. We are ready for cooperation and for restoring relations with our European neighbors.”

Putin said potential threats facing Russia were not declining, pointing to NATO’s expansion. He also accused some European leaders of discussing preparations for war with Russia to influence their declining political ratings.

He said Moscow would respond to perceived threats and outlined plans to strengthen Russia’s nuclear forces, air defences, drones and precision weapons.