Public radio’s longest-running daily global news program.
©2026 The World from PRX
PRX is a 501(c)(3) organization recognized by the IRS: #263347402.
Fear and loathing on the Lithuanian border
Poland, Latvia and Lithuania all share a border with Belarus — and tensions are running high in all three countries, as Russia and Belarus ramp up accustomed military drills. DW’s Lisa Louis reports from the Lithuanian border.
6:06
Polish Army soldiers take part in a Lithuanian-Polish Brave Griffin 24/II military exercise near the Suwalki Gap near the Polish border at the Dirmiskes village, in Lithuania on Friday, April 26, 2024. Over 1500 troops and 200 pieces of tactical equipment are rehearsing defence scenarios under the bilateral Lithuanian-Polish Orsha Plan near the Suwalki Gap.
Mindaugas Kulbis/AP/File photo
Beginning Sept. 12, Russia and Belarus will hold what they call “Zapad,” or “West” military drills. These drills are nothing new, but the last time they were held, in 2022, was just days before Moscow sent troops into Ukraine.
In this photo taken from video distributed by Russian Defense Ministry Press Service on Friday, Sept. 12, 2025, armored vehicles drive during joint military drills held by Russia and Belarus.Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP
Poland, Latvia and Lithuania all share a border with Belarus — and tensions are running high in all three countries. Reporter Lisa Louis, from our partners at Deutsche Welle, DW, reports from the Lithuanian border.
Click on the blue player above to hear the story.