Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are developing coordinated mass evacuation plans for the population in case of escalation by Russia or an increase in its military presence near their borders.
Source: Bukvy
The decision was made after Moscow significantly increased its military spending in 2025 — amid the ongoing war against Ukraine and the Kremlin’s aggressive rhetoric.
Since Russia’s invasion in 2022, the Baltic states have doubled their defense budgets and informed NATO of growing threats — ranging from cyberattacks and disinformation to violations of airspace by Russian aircraft and drones. Russia officially denies any intention to attack NATO countries.
According to Lithuania’s Fire Service Chief Renatas Pozel, potential risks include military aggression, communication sabotage, mass migration flows, and civil unrest. Active preparations began after the signing of a trilateral civil protection agreement between the three countries in May 2025.
📍 Key details of the plan:
– Evacuation is planned for residents living within 40 km of the borders with Russia and Belarus — around 400,000 people.
– In Kaunas, accommodation sites are being prepared in schools, universities, churches, and sports arenas.
– Trains, buses, and reserve road routes will be used for transportation, while main roads will remain reserved for military use.
– Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys stated that the country is “fully prepared for an emergency” and has well-developed contingency plans.
Currently, none of the three countries plans evacuation outside the Baltics. The main communication route with Poland — the Suwałki Corridor — will remain prioritized for military movement.
In Estonia, temporary shelters are being created for 10% of the population, while others will be able to relocate to relatives. In Narva, up to two-thirds of residents may be evacuated, and in Latvia — about one-third in case of escalation.
Rescue service representatives emphasize that the preparations are systematic and cover all possible scenarios — from local incidents to large-scale conflict.
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