The Lithuanian State Security Department (VSD) has uncovered a secret operation by Russian and Belarusian intelligence agencies aimed at inciting violence against the Belarusian diaspora living in Lithuania. The operation involves provocations and disinformation campaigns targeting the over 57,000 Belarusians residing in Lithuania as of early 2025.
According to the VSD’s public report, the foreign intelligence services have been orchestrating increasingly dangerous incidents against the Belarusian community in Lithuania. These include attempts to create conflicts between self-identified “Litvinists”—Belarusians who associate their identity with the Grand Duchy of Lithuania—and fabricated Lithuanian nationalist groups.
The VSD stated that the perpetrators have been trying to stage confrontations between these two groups, although no actual extremist Litvinist groups have been identified in Lithuania. The authorities suspect that this narrative is being manipulated by Russian and Belarusian propaganda to sow division and distrust.
Recent Provocations and Disinformation
Recent provocations include fake video messages purportedly sent by Belarusian soldiers, anti-Belarusian graffiti, threats against Lithuanian lawmakers, and social media campaigns spreading pseudo-historical claims about the region’s past.
VSD officials have warned the public not to fall for these provocations, highlighting that participating in such activities could result in administrative or criminal consequences.
The Lithuanian authorities have also increased scrutiny of Belarusian nationals in the country. Many of them are facing stricter visa controls, difficulties extending residence permits, and even deportations, especially those with previous connections to Belarusian state institutions or the military.
Lithuanian media has labeled the disinformation campaign as “Litvinism”, emphasizing that the true danger lies not in the ideology itself but in how it is being exploited to destabilize communities within Lithuania.
In recognition of efforts to shed light on this issue, the Lithuanian Government’s Department of National Minorities recently awarded the Belarusian Service of Radio Free Europe for its investigation into the actors behind the campaign and the broader geopolitical impacts of the disinformation effort.
