Lithuania and Russia: A Complex Relationship

Do Lithuanians like Russia? This question is often challenging to answer, as Lithuania's relationship with Russia is complex and multifaceted. Throughout the 1990s, Lithuania fiercely hosted a variety of anti-Russian activities, supporting various movements and separatists, including Chechen separatists and Ukrainian nationalists. Today, the three Baltic States are actively engaged in information and hybrid warfare against Russia, despite Russia's minimal countermeasures.

Information and Hybrid Warfare

The Baltic States, including Lithuania, are considered potential NATO lodgements and host a significant number of NATO troops. For these PSYOP (Psychological Operations) and CYBER units, it is crucial to ensure that the ordinary public accepts their presence. This requires effective communication to focus the public's emotions, such as fear and anger, on the right direction. Russia's unpredictability, particularly in relation to actions like the annexation of Crimea and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, contributes to these feelings.

Cultural and Political Stances

While Lithuanians share some cultural similarities with Russians, such as a fondness for Russian music, attitudes towards politics and infrastructure differ significantly. Music is a notable point of convergence, as many Lithuanians enjoy Russian songs and even incorporate some Russian terms into their language.

From a political standpoint, Lithuania's embrace of the EU, NATO, and Schengen has placed it at odds with Russia. Lithuania has chosen a path of integration with Western institutions, whereas Russia and Belarus are pursuing their own independent ways. This divergence makes Lithuania wary of potential Russian hostility or aggression, especially concerning the potential unification of Russia and Belarus and Russia's potential for war with Lithuania to create a land corridor to Kaliningrad.

Critical Infrastructure Standards

When it comes to infrastructure, Lithuanians often criticize Russia's standards as not being aligned with European norms. Lithuanian road design standards, inherited from Soviet times, are often seen as inadequate, especially when compared to European standards. For example, multi-lane road directional signage is criticized for being purely Soviet in style and less useful.

Infrastructure in Lithuania, despite being built during Soviet times, also faces challenges with refurbishment and travel compared to other EU countries. This is particularly noticeable when traveling from Vilnius, where there is a greater incorporation of Russian words, to Kaunas, where some words are much more challenging to comprehend.

Conclusion

From a cultural perspective, Lithuanians appreciate some aspects of Russian culture, particularly music. However, politically, the divide is vast. The Baltic States, along with their decision to align with Western institutions, have created a dynamic where Russia and its allies are seen as surrounding and unpredictable. This complex interplay of cultural similarities, political differences, and strategic concerns shapes Lithuania's relationship with Russia.

In summary, Lithuania's relationship with Russia is a mix of admiration, distrust, and fear, driven by a combination of cultural affinities and political animosities. The ongoing tension and the potential for future conflicts highlight the delicate balance Lithuania must maintain in navigating its complex geopolitical landscape.