VILNIUS / OSLO (Dagbladet): Even though we do not understand the language, we can hear that it is the war that is on people’s lips. In the narrow streets of the capital’s old town, historic buildings are lit up by the colors of the Ukrainian flag.
A worried face lays on the face of a Lithuanian father as we stop him on the street to ask if he wants to say something about what is happening in Ukraine.
– We are really sad, angry and shocked that this can happen in such a progressive world. We are also scared, because we have no idea what is going on in Putin’s head, and what he wants to do next, Jurgis tells Dagbladet.
SAVED: Jurgis and his family fear a nuclear war that could affect the people of Lithuania. Photo: Dagbladet
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Fear of nuclear war
He does not want a full name in the newspaper, but would like to share his thoughts on the war that is going on in a country so close to his own.
– Sometimes it feels like the end of the world is just around the corner.
The Baltic country does not share a border with Ukraine, but history, as part of what was once the Soviet Union. In addition, Lithuania shares a border with the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad, and Belarus, which has entered the war on the Russian side.
Timeline: Russia’s war against Ukraine
– I do not think we will be attacked directly, but a possible nuclear war will affect everyone. We fear that, says Jurgis.
SHOWS SUPPORT: The Ukrainian flag fills the surface of an installation outside Vilnius Cathedral. Photo: Dagbladet
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The four-year-old daughter looks up at us with questioning eyes. She is still too young to understand what is happening.
– But I have to explain it to her later in life, says her father.
– What are your expectations of NATO and the international community?
– I expect NATO to intervene militarily and put an end to everything that happens. For this is bad.
Feeling of fear
A little further up the street, Bruna Appelt (26) and Luis Felipe Pelison (26) are out airing the dog. The boyfriend and girlfriend from Brazil have not lived in Vilnius for so long, but are very affected by the situation.
– I feel fear every day, and I watch the news all day. This is terrible, says Appelt.
– What are you afraid of?
– For the war, for the people of Ukraine who have suffered so much. And I’m afraid of what might happen here in Lithuania.
FOLLOWS: The Brazilian couple Luis Felipe Pelison (left) and Bruna Appelt (26) have moved to Vilnius to work. They are closely following what is happening in Ukraine. Photo: Dagbladet
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The boyfriend shoots in:
– We know that it is a small country, which is a member of NATO. At the same time, we see that this is happening very close to us, so sometimes we feel that it can happen here as well.
They admit that they have talked about going home to Brazil, but so far there is only one plan B. Now they place their trust in the defense alliance:
– We expect them to help us if something happens here, Appelt says.
Reveals: 28 kilometers long
28-year-old Saule Ramanauskaite says she feels a great deal of frustration about the situation.
– It gives me anxiety, that peace is broken again. I think there is a possibility that the war could come here to Lithuania, says the 28-year-old.
State of emergency
On Sunday, Lithuania declared a state of emergency as a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
– Even today I want to say to the Russian people and president: It is still possible to stop what has begun, said President Gitanas Nausėda.
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In recent days, the country has also strengthened its preparedness with the number of NATO soldiers.
Last Sunday, 44 Norwegian soldiers from the Telemark battalion arrived in Lithuania.
– It is the situation between Russia and Ukraine that makes NATO member countries on the eastern flank have requested further reinforcements, said Minister of Defense Odd Roger Enoksen.
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