"I believe we should find other opportunities for cooperation with Russia and Belarus, and certain elements used during these exercises, I believe, are directed against neighbors as well. It shouldn't be that way," Olekas told BNS when asked to comment on planned large-scale exercises "Zapad-2013".
In his words, Russia's military activity in the Baltic Sea region needs additional attention.
"Our NATO integration, modernization of our army strengthens security of Lithuania and the Baltic states. On the other hand, modernization of other, non-NATO countries, including Russia, activated exercises taking place near the border of our states attract additional attention from our side as well," the minister said.
Military command of Russia and Belarus have announced that the two countries will hold joint strategic-level military exercises "Zapad-2013" in September. The exercises should take place in two stages in Russian and Belarusian polygons.
There is no official information on exercise scenarios or the number of troops involved as yet but it is believed that the exercises will be similar to high-profile exercises "Zapad-2009" when over 12,000 troops were involved and the exercises were officially defensive and aimed at ensuring strategic stability in the region. But the training scenario included attacks on the Baltic states' territory and a preventive nuclear attack on Warsaw.
