The Russians Are Coming: Lithuania's Operation Lightning Strike

Since Russia’s seizure of the Crimean peninsula and the start of conflict in eastern Ukraine in spring 2014, the small Baltic state of Lithuania has been anxiously eyeing Moscow. Some in the capital of Vilnius believe that the country might fall prey to a Ukraine-style military incursion, orchestrated by Russia.
Lithuania, a former Soviet satellite, shares a border with the heavily militarized Russian exclave of Kaliningrad - which houses Russia’s Baltic fleet and has been flooded with arms and personnel in the last year. From Kaliningrad, Russia has staged military drills that reportedly involve thousands of soldiers, hundreds of military vehicles, and dozens of warships. In response, Lithuanian forces are also mobilizing.
In May, VICE News followed the Lithuanian army during Operation Lightning Strike - a four-day wargames exercise. The drill marked the first nation-wide test of Lithuania’s new 2,500-strong “Rapid Reaction Force,” set up in the wake of the Ukraine crisis to deal with hybrid warfare threats, such as armed protests, airfield and weapons stockpile seizures, and the sudden appearance of “little green men” who seem to take orders from far away.
Watch "Selfie Soldiers: Russia Checks in to Ukraine (Trailer)" - bit.ly/1cLlJpo
Read "Meet the Colonel in Charge of Countering Russian Propaganda in Lithuania" - bit.ly/1dAnMgN
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[@arminagasp2690]

4:19 " - So we're definitely saying that that's not Russia right there? - Absolutely!" Dat smile 😂

[@borgir3451]

kappa

[@captainjackpugh6050]

Mega Chad

[@brentonjohnson8476]

"So we're definitely saying that that's not Russia there." "Absolutely!" *grins at camera*

[@ANTONFROMBELARUS]

Respect to Lithuania from Belarus!

[@konstantin2142]

Anton Zhylitski Make that 2.

[@OR3NG]

Anton Zhylitski Respect from PATA :D?

[@user-mu1oj1sk8r]

Anton Zhylitski а в чем респект то? совсем белены объелись? и белоруссы иуды теперь? позорище

[@proatheism2210]

Belarus is in bed with Russia lol

[@1MuchButteR1]

Anton Zhylitski Respect to our historical brothers, long live Litvins!

[@erasedfromgenepool.4845]

My parents moved from Lithuania in 1991 to America, I was 2 yrs old. We have a good life in America but if Russia decides to invade Lithuanian land. I will leave here and go to my fatherland and fight. The same way Ukrainians, and Chechens did.i have no problem with any Russian people, but we will never forgive or forget what they did to this small peaceful country! God bless my Lithuanian land and people! 🙏🙏🙏!!

[@babayaga6321]

Relax. Who wants to invade land from which native people are immigranating . Must be some great country.! Lol

[@juaninamillion5864]

"That's not Russia right there" "Absolutely" *Has smirk on his face*

[@lordnicholasbuzanthefearle2155]

If you attack Lithuania you will have to deal with Poland too

[@MrShadowFilmz]

Poland the shit place

[@tacomanlivs2]

Lord Buzan Don't forget the rest of NATO too

[@arnoldassulnius9849]

Lord Buzan Polska-Litwa ! Respect from Lithuania!

[@dictumfactum6177]

Lord Buzan Oooh MY GOD noooooooooooooooooooooooooo! Mighty POLAND nooooooooooooooooooooo!

[@JoyousDude]

Lord Buzan ohhh noooo not poland, so scared

[@Tarathiel123]

4:24 that face! haha. if this was a comic book he would be Deadpool winking at the reader

[@SuperSilkyJohnson]

Tarathiel123 Was about to make a comment about that grin, so good.

[@NightcoreTKFF]

Tarathiel123 I laughed at that too. But to be honest, it all makes sense, they just can't use the R word.

[@donmartini112]

what a coincidence that the udijans should be from the same geographical location as the russian federation=P my point is if it isn't ok to use the real name of russia, why is it ok to "rename russia". wouldn't that be negating the point of not using the ral name? they could've drawn different shape countries, with same shape russian-lithuanian border for strategic-tactical reasons ofcourse

[@SuperSilkyJohnson]

donmartini112 Because it was meant to be a thin veneer all along.

[@donmartini112]

AshyLarry ?

[@M0N0P0L]

Baltics will stand strong together! Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania!

[@davidaware2366]

Yh they have a good history of doing that. :/

[@rozmarija05]

GeGe poop As a Latvian, I sure hope so.. But I think the threat is exaggerated..

[@rozmarija05]

Your answer clearly shows you do not understand the politics of our region. I can explain it to you if you wish, but I am sure you are not actually that interested, the truth is always far more complicated than any of us want it to be ;)

[@PiznesPiznes]

GeGe poop These countries always belonged to Russia!

[@tautrimaskarickas9573]

rozmarija05 I agree, the chance of a foreign incursion from Russia is really small, that's true. But any chance above 0% is not acceptable. These exercises are only here to further reduce to risk. I, for one, am sick of my country being occupied again and again. Hopefully we will never have to use these forces. Greetings from Lithuania. Let's stand united :)

[@dawiddziekonski2419]

Poland supports you!

[@dawiddziekonski2419]

No they will there are a lot of poilsh people living in Lithuania

[@user-mu1oj1sk8r]

For Land Russia not enemy of Poland

[@mindaugasprismontas6720]

David Dziekonski Poland and Lithuania it's like two brothers we do have some nonsensical disagreements but in time of need we will help itch other for sure

[@dawiddziekonski2419]

Mindaugas Prismontas I totally agree with that

[@poorandimmature]

David Dziekonski Love Poland! So do all my other brothers in the USA, true grit in that country.

[@PonchoANS7]

This is all very good. Russia would never have the balls to directly go after a NATO state, but probably arm "separatists".

[@DOGMA1138]

Alfonso Navarro With how EU has been treating the US lately, and how the EU is viewed in within the US don't be so sure. The US will most likely have no political capital to intervene in Europe especially when the public sees it as the Europe disarmed it self in order to fund it's own internal social programs rather than to invest even the basic required amounts in Defense. Virtually all EU members have been spending far less in Defense than not only what is assumed to be required but also what is mandated in the mutual defense agreements of the NATO treaty. Non-NATO European countries are also gambling with their fate, Sweden for example has restructured it's defense budget for a single goal which is to halt a limited incursion into it's territory for a week, thats what they have the funds for, that's what they train for. There is a really good chance that the baltic states will not be Poland, but rather be more like Czechoslovakia, and even if they are Poland, well WW2 didn't turned out that great for them either. When you have a slumbering former super power which set it's sights on gaining world recognition you need to be able to defend your own borders, the EU now seems to think that it's relative economic and political power is all what is needed to stop a war, sadly they've seem to forget their own history.

[@Canthary]

Alfonso Navarro That's how wars are wagged today, you don't go after a country yourself, you either support or manufacture a proxy war.

[@Canthary]

cris lamont You getting touchy for some reason? And yes, that's how mayor world powers have chosen to stage war since the Cold War era, you just extended what i said but by your tone it's like you're trying to prove me wrong? idk And in the 'grand scheme of things' is Russia vs America&friends, i don't see China or Iran doing shit in eastern Europe.

[@reptisnakes]

Alfonso Navarro what makes you say that? Russia has a better military than any NATO country except the US.

[@pavelsciuk3083]

Alfonso Navarro You see, "separatists" don`t come from nowhere. They wouldn`t last long, if local population wouldn`t support them. This is proven historically. And this is what`s going on in Ukraine.

[@Bizneezy11]

I'm impressed with how well each one of these Lithuanians speak English. Must be a significant part of their schooling.

[@user-py9cy1sy9u]

Josh Thomas "90% of Lithuanians speak at least one foreign language and half of the population speaks two foreign languages, mostly Russian and English." en.wikipedia.org/?title=Lithuania#Education

[@konfunable]

Josh Thomas They are not very good speakers. Usually Lithuanians are more fluent.

[@TheBellman]

Josh Thomas You'll find that in a lot of the smaller European countries with their own language the natives are primarily educated in English. When I went to visit Dubrovnik (Croatia) once, there was a disconcerting moment when I thought that a number of younger people in a cafe were speaking English gibberish, only to realize that they now speak Serbrocroatian with a distinctly *American* accent after learning both in school for so long.

[@someonewhosupportukraine]

Josh Thomas English language is taught as the first foreign language, but now do not know how, but when I came to the school in 1998, we learned the English language from the third class. English language exam is a national exam. And without Lithuanian language, mathematics and English language exam, maintenance, will not get school-leaving certificate. After all, the majority of Lithuanian knows two foreign languages. eg I can speak Lithuanian, Russian and English languages. University learned French, German and Belarusian language. so I know five foreign languages. And just small nations residents learn very much, and education is not a luxury but a survival rate. The more educated you are the more chance of getting a well-paid job. Young people are currently studying in universities and sometimes sooner or later learn the craft (mechanics, construction workers, electricians), for example. I am a Bachelor of Political Science is currently pursuing a Master degree and have a mechanic profession, my friend studying law and have an electrician crafts. Lithuanians are qualified multidisciplinary professionals. in addition to all of that from this year it is returned to compulsory military service that will give more, and military occupation.

[@juozasvilkanauskas4747]

It is! about 80% of lithuanian citizens can speak or atleast understand the english language

[@yuven437]

that country we have called "definitely not Russia"

[@GriteKidsTV]

I am Lithuanian, not Russian and i am proud of that.

[@GG-ud9yu]

NICE!

[@ottomanliviton6610]

@@Bergmann69 you russian dum boy we dount need you

[@chudtroonslayer]

Russian Federation Mapping And Why is that?

[@chudtroonslayer]

Russian Mapper So is Russia.Oh,in fact your benevolent Tsar Putin steals a shitload of money,and his friends too.So Russia’s generations wise up when told about “Evil Ukraine Nazis way Russian Children,PutEn is a god Trump gayyyyy,CIA spied wanna Jill Russia reeeeeeeeeeeee” on the news?Yeah sounds right to me.

[@chudtroonslayer]

Russian Mapping Lithuania is one of the 3 best developing countries from the ex-Soviet states,with corruption going down yearly.Meanwhile,Russia is in hysteria about Nazis everywhere,and then they ask themselves “Why are my neighbors afraid of me?” because you are an insane aggressor Russia!That’s it!.

[@kapelbaza6130]

Long live free Lithuanian. Respect and support from NY

[@AnonymousCaveman]

very good drills from their soldiers. pealing off, going behind cover, great rate of fire. respect from the United Kingdom.

[@ipoopedtoday4260]

Still we would be dead...

[@AnonymousCaveman]

fat

[@ipoopedtoday4260]

Nice shirt

[@Tipperito]

no chance against russia, we will be like cattle going to the slaughterhouse if we have to fight russia, our army is tiny

[@7.62forge3]

eerniizz That's what we said about Vietnam, the refused to fight us head on and choose their battles wisely.

[@Warlock432]

Russian bots incoming

[@CoNNspiracy]

The Angry Swede The NSA bots keep saying it, doth not make it true tho.

[@RaytheonPwnsYou]

Conspiracy News Network Conspiracy theorists have extra chromosomes. You're a great example.

[@CoNNspiracy]

***** I guess having fewer chromosomes than normal makes you superior somehow? I believe rats have fewer chromosomes....

[@laurynas.k]

The Angry Swede Come to Vilnius on 2016 may 9 and you will see how many Russia supporters here.

[@Parapon3ra]

The Angry Swede I'd worry more about 3rd world immigrants (and what they'll do to your prissy little welfare state) than Russians if I were you, angry Swede.

[@sergeantraven794]

Great job Lithuania! Take no chances when living next to the rabid bear. Make ready, Stay free. Tegyvuoja laisvas Lietuva!

[@ForeverRepublic]

Good for Lithuania for protecting their homeland and assuring their sovereignty. Respect from Israel.

[@Kd-im6nh]

I love both countries, respect from America

[@barniespacullie3812]

+DovidoTv lol donald trump is a traitor. he will band with russia ig anything

[@north1275]

@Bolshevik Mapper Wuw, my retardation counter is going off

[@arghya4NE]

@Kosova e bukur Kosovo is Serbia

[@jjuanmarin]

now they will always be occupied by another country

[@FrazzP]

A situation like in Ukraine is kinda impossible in Lithuania, as there are less Russians then Polish people in Lithuania. The Russians of Lithuania also often have nothing in common with Russia except the language and feel that they are different from the Russians in Russia.

[@dingdingdingding5544]

Fraz The problem is that during soviet times Stalin moved in ethnic Russians everywhere and there are certain small regions in the Baltics with a sizable Russian population. With the rise of Russian nationalism these minorities might feel like the land they live in might belong to Russia.

[@FrazzP]

YouCan'tHateMeMoreThaniHateMyself Not necessarily. A lot of the young Russians in the Baltics have never even been to Russia, they don't consider it as their home and motherland. They have far better living standards then the Russians in Russia, they can express their political beliefs in peace, and so on. If your life is better in Estonia or Lithuania, then why would you want to be a part of Russia?

[@dingdingdingding5544]

Fraz I have no idea I'm not Russian. I'm Japanese so I'm not the biggest fan of Russia. I'm just sad to see some people are forgetting how to work together as humans and are splitting away from each other based on ethnicity.

[@xwing8029]

Im lithuanian and i know 1 guy that is russian. He believes only in russian news and hates US with NATO. He think US fakes dead people bombed in Syria by russians. He believes everything russian news are saying.

[@robloxmythsandlegend]

Back then soviets used propaganda to deal with Lithuanians and there is alot of chance that they will try to get more people on russian side if war ever breaks out.

[@jdf360pwn]

Thank you Lithuania, Support from the U.S.

[@Hagser]

From the CIA not US.

[@Lithuanian_NAFO_lad]

@@Hagser bot

[@WolfyOfHonor]

I wonder how much Russia pays for each pro-russia comment?

[@chudtroonslayer]

WolfyOfHonor Like 50 cents.

[@aragornkingelesar2982]

They don't give them money they give them vodka and kalbasi

[@aragornkingelesar2982]

@Bolshevik Mapper Hahahahahah Russia is suffering by other nations Native Russia number is smaller than other nation people in country U guys just killing urself U guys stole crimea from Ukraine, stole aphkazia and samachablo from Georgia... Dumb pig go the hell let me use Georgian swear words:შენი დედა მოვტყან,ღრუსი ბოზის.გაგდებულო ყლე ღრუსო...სიამოვნებით ვუყურებ როგორ ინადგურებთ თავს

[@cdhr6743]

Probably nothing, people have their own views and believe in different things. If you want a harmless example, it'd be like how when someone watches Star Wars, some people will say the Rebels are good while others would say the Empire is good.

[@alfonhala5187]

As an lithuanian, i really like this... I like how they are preparing for war.

[@lauristamo3235]

I thought you are austrian / german :D

[@alfonhala5187]

Lauris Tamo :D

[@veebuk8522]

its bull crap lithuania doesn't need army(im also LT)

[@noname99953]

Youll like it even better when lithuania looks like syria, and half your family are war casualties.

[@ottomanliviton6610]

@@veebuk8522 im LT lithuania needs an army (stupid peace aktivists russian supporters comon)

[@chaosXP3RT]

Hey Vice, can we get an update on those Humvees that were delivered to Ukraine and the U.S. training the Ukrainian soldiers received?

[@GiYoEnt]

chaosXP3RT would be nice to see

[@slbx1948]

Mouad D roger shut up and learn for school.

[@mouadwow95]

SLBX1 rip english

[@alexunity5875]

Im an American and i would like to see this, i hope Ukraine puts it to good use.

[@jj6051]

Chemiker Do you have any evidence of this?

[@y0Milan]

Respect to Lithuania from your Allies in Great Britain

[@PrinceYadav-gg3ji]

Great lol😂😂

[@y0Milan]

@@PrinceYadav-gg3ji 5 years later and I get some thanks for my kind words hahaha

[@manassurya2019]

I do not support American imperialism, but that does not mean I support Russian imperialism either. Every country has the right to be sovereign, and it should not be violated. That includes Ukraine, Lithuania, Estonia, etc.

[@heghog5899]

Manas Surya Well said

[@soldiergirlcl]

all russia does is supporting the ethnic minorities that wish to be annexed to russia- so far it doesnt seem like russia is the bad guy in this situation

[@Vulkanprimarch]

But that argument fails because of immigration just because a huge number of of people immigrate to a place does not make a new place property of their home country. And typically a lot of people emigrate from Russia to these nearby regions for work or a better life. And some people would have you believe there are sleeper agents among these immigrants.

[@Vulkanprimarch]

That was how many decades ago now? If they wanted to live in Russia that badly immigrate back to it. And unless you are saying there has been ZERO immigration from Russia to those regions then my point still stands that just because of who lives at a place does not change which country it should belong to.

[@Vulkanprimarch]

I fail to see how any of this justifies violent reunification with Russia of piecemeal land or creeping expansion of russia in several different countries. It is not an issue of what the people want it is an issue of Russian expansionism while harming innocent people.

[@Skoopman]

As a Lithuanian this makes me proud

[@Evrastrim]

This is wrong pride, obviously that would not help in case if Russia would want to invade. And if you would be smart you wouldnt be proud, am just sayin

[@Hydanci]

@@Evrastrim Russia conventionally invading us is basically impossible, so getting prepared for a hybrid war is very needed for.

[@user-fx9rw7xc1e]

@@Hydanci Russia could wipe Lithuania off the face of Earth without a single Russian soldier stepping his foot on Lithuanian land. You should be aware of that. Also, you should consider yourself extremely lucky, since Russia isn't invading anyone.

[@Hydanci]

@@user-fx9rw7xc1e No chance.

[@user-fx9rw7xc1e]

@@Hydanci Believe it or not, it is true.

[@tommo9176]

It's actually really nice to see a country that doesn't take itself too seriously and can still have a bit of fun with something like this. Very cool, Lithuania.

[@VICENews]

In May, VICE News followed the Lithuanian army during Operation Lightning Strike - a four-day wargames exercise. The drill marked the first nation-wide test of Lithuania’s new 2,500-strong “Rapid Reaction Force,” set up in the wake of the Ukraine crisis to deal with hybrid warfare threats, such as armed protests, airfield and weapons stockpile seizures, and the sudden appearance of “little green men” who seem to take orders from far away. Read "Meet the Colonel in Charge of Countering Russian Propaganda in Lithuania" - bit.ly/1dAnMgN

[@CoNNspiracy]

***** Damn it, the NSA trolls got here first... No dubt they'll call anybody who disagrees with them a Russian troll. At least we KNOW the NSA troll exists: 21stcenturywire.com/2014/02/25/snowden-training-guide-for-gchq-nsa-agents-infiltrating-and-disrupting-alternative-media-online/

[@CoNNspiracy]

***** And I'm not Russian. Your point? Mine would be that saying "X troll is coming" is a poorly conceived way of discrediting people with different opinions before they've even expressed them. In fact, it is particularly racist to say "Russian troll". Notice how I blamed the NSA instead of "American trolls"? How is it ok to blame Russians for actions that you believe to stem from a govt agency?

[@CoNNspiracy]

***** Nope. Your seal of approval just shows how rancid this video is. Keep up the good work

[@pavelsciuk3083]

***** What a fucking idiot you are...

[@4EverDubin]

***** LOL! that is one of the most hilarious thing i've come across xD

[@AssClappicus]

Loved it when the dude said "absolutely" with a smirk on his face when asked if they're not saying it's russia.

[@korbyn49]

I love how at 13:05 how he just jumps through the door. Very realistic lol.

[@umartdagnir]

Levi1611 13:13 to be exact. An gets shot from behind.

[@titaniumdiveknife]

Levi1611 COD irl

[@theguy1633]

Levi1611 And thats why he ended up getting treated as a Casualty.

[@juliahenriques210]

Levi1611 I find it interesting that they've managed to allow this report to show their training without actually giving any clues to the sort of tactics they actually use.

[@fludblud]

Levi1611 I betcha that soldier's unit is going to give him sooo much crap for doing that.

[@Cornerala]

They should do this with airsoft guns, then you can atleast know who gets hit or not

[@wxValts]

Ala-eddine el ouazzani I'm not sure about Lithuania but in Latvia we use MILES laser system which register all the hits.

[@MaartenvanRossemLezingen]

Darth Zoddo I can tell you've never served in the army

[@IDFArmor]

Ala-eddine el ouazzani that really isn't the point. these drills are used mainly for the command and logistics elements of the military. the actual combatants get better training in CQC centers and MILES drills.

[@BlindFireH2O]

Darth Zoddo Rubber Bullets have caused major injuries, ever since the idea was implemented.

[@BlindFireH2O]

Ala-eddine el ouazzani Its pretty affordable. Around $200 for a Gas G36 rifle. If they had more of a budget, Simunition would work more effectively.

[@DankoLviv]

Lithuania stay strong, Ukraine with you!

[@dictumfactum6177]

DankoLviv This is very dangerous. For someone... When Ukraine with it someone...

[@bohdanvoron2256]

Dictum Factum Hello, Russian troll.

[@switgirl7248]

tnx u im woring im from lithuania

[@James-dq7oi]

Don't worry lads Britain's got your backs If Russia tries anything well bring the hammer down harder than they could fucking imagine

[@chudtroonslayer]

Russian Federation Mapping So Germany must invade Poland for Silesia Romania must invade Bulgaria for Cadrilater Croatia must invade Bosnia Poland must invade Belarus for Brest Myadzel And Grodno And Denmark must invade Sweden for Southern Sweden? You can’t go with that logic anywhere shithead.

[@SILVYSPARK]

5:03 Did someone feckin shout out YOLO?!?

[@afteriszaidzia5826]

SilverSpark Rants yes :)

[@veebuk8522]

yeap

[@danielius3239]

Yes (In Lithuainia Taip)

[@arghya4NE]

YOLOOOOOOOOOOO *2500 peeps completely Demonetize the LGM squad*

[@Bambim8]

AHAHAHHAHAAHAHAHA

[@GenerationTech]

4:23 The commander pulls a Jim from the office

[@Lobblobb]

Yep

[@reallynazstuff]

8:45 poor guy doesn't know who ordered the beer

[@MultiGames4You]

haha

[@Brokkolesz]

12:55 Those guys would've been massacred right there. Why did they charge a machine gun nest? And the guy entering shortly after was shot directly in the back. In a realistic scenario NATO would've just bombed the compound and be done with it. Much easier, faster, and no casualties.

[@cud0s]

Malacovics Could not bomb because of civilians in the building. Remember it simulates not a full scale invasion but warfare similar to that in Ukraine.

[@ChristofferChristiansen]

Malacovics exactly my thoughts

[@EdemisK]

Malacovics They probably learned that from russian veterans.

[@user-py9cy1sy9u]

Malacovics I suspect that those guys never participated in real firefight. To them its just a game. But what do I know

[@kl0ness]

Malacovics You may be right, but you never know what might happen.

[@Creamagination]

13:11 that guy storming thru, that's suicide.

[@SooSneeky]

Hidden driver Yeah I thought thats what grenades were for?

[@lordnicholasbuzanthefearle2155]

Hidden driver that was on easy difficulty

[@EpsilonNPC]

Hidden driver I think it was more to test any possible communication problems between coordinating government and loyalist forces. Think of it as a test run or alpa testing in game terms. That and a display of government forces to intimidate any would be separatists, assuage nationalists, and get the indifferent population to realise the urgency of the situation.

[@lovepeace9727]

FOR LORD AND LITHUANIA !!!

[@basik6825]

@@mordiggian2730 have you been paying attention to the video at all? ofcourse its "fake", 90% of the footage shown in this video is PRACTICING.

[@Valivali94]

God damit Udija, why are you always playing with the fire? Its president Nitup is a dangerous man XD

[@Kapooka98]

Lithuania is actually looking well equipped for quite a minor country.

[@user-py9cy1sy9u]

Kapooka98 We received a lot of military supplies when we left soviet union

[@westsan]

Kapooka98 Probably US supplied (even if the hardware is Russian made to avoid suspicion while the US destabilizes them).

[@westsan]

Uhm, from the governments that originally purchased directly from Russia. It is not rocket science to coverup an intervention.

[@arielzuk3226]

westsan rocket science is largely overestimated . rockets have been produced since the mid 40's . There is plenty of know-how about them .

[@hirdakirda6285]

Lithuania doesnt buy anything from Russia...

[@monanurag8787]

I love how they made the Russian flag like the LGBTQ community flag

[@ZeeBri]

Lithuania is surprisingly well equipped.

[@inactive859]

yes, we are :)

[@donatasjurevicius8238]

@@inactive859 no ur not stop gassing that dumb country up

[@weirdwurstLP]

Lithuania rocks! from germany

[@weirdwurstLP]

***** fuck off, im german

[@weirdwurstLP]

***** lel get this proofster out of here. Go watch RT Vatnik trash

[@gilladfide4767]

Can I interject here... He maybe cleaning toilets in Germany, however minimum wage in Germany is 1600$ a month compared to less than 100 bucks a month in Russia... And let me tell you average price of a Apartment in Moscow well you are going to be selling your g/f lol...

[@weirdwurstLP]

Gillad Fide lel

[@weirdwurstLP]

Pantelis Johannes Tzimas dunno where they where coming from, but most people i know can't stand either

[@vc8280]

Baltics will stand strong together! Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania! And talk Russian or English between each other.

[@cookiekillah7351]

Very interesting and great documentary keep up the good work VICE :)

[@theotterstrom]

Totally right, go Lithuania!

[@NLGamer236]

“I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones.” ― Albert Einstein

[@towtyler4598]

for such a small country they seem to be pretty well equipped/ trained good for you Lithuania

[@konstantinaslukjanovas7394]

I'm a Lithuanian VICE fan. Anyone else?

[@petrkren5587]

Respect to Lithuania from Czech Republic. Damn those warmongers from "Udija"! :D

[@FPSGamer48]

Always good to be prepared. Especially given Lithuania's location

[@obiwankenobi1653]

If Lietuva gets invaded by Russia we georgian will immediately send military help, no delaying.

[@mehmeh1999]

And get subsequently crushed by the Russians. Sorry, but did you guys not get your rear ends creamed by the Russians in 2008?

[@denizaksoy2475]

Who the hell are you to say that? Prime minister of georgia?:)

[@iamgod4174]

Cmon, the dude says he wants to help us don't be so harsh

[@frenchmontana423]

Georgia would actually help Russia

[@inactive859]

@@frenchmontana423 nah tf? Georgia is our ally, they are against russia, due to the separatist movements

[@ryansachio8906]

I hope Lithuania will be able to defend itself.

[@SigaOraYtube]

It's a real threat, however don't panic get ready. Prepare for the worst, instead of siting around crying, read some books, and act now.

[@zorans5200]

Sigita Diamond ..shut up you idiot.

[@BoldHorse]

Mums pohuj, kaip ir visada ;)

[@danielius3239]

(English)Did sombodey say YOLO 5:04 (Lithuania)Ar kaškas pasake YOLO 5:04

[@Jokea222]

yeah haha

[@blah7952]

Very professional military. Very well trained military (despite it's size). This is what happens when a country takes it's security seriously, and capitalizes on the the benefits of being a NATO and EU member. This is what happens when they take the experiences of their trainers (mainly the UK and US) and correctly apply it. This is what Iraq SHOULD have been capable of (thankfully as of today, ISIL is being pushed back on all fronts by a combination of Iraqi, Syrian, and Kurdish studs...with tons of Western air power). Well done Lithuania. Short of the Russian conventional military entering the fray, a hybrid threat complete with separatists would be decimated by these guys.

[@amogh76]

BEING PREPARED FOR YOUR ENEMY TO ATTACK AND KNOWING ITS STRATEGY IS THE BEST WAY TO DEFEND YOURSELF

[@trumarius]

wondering... how many "empty" youtube accounts with russian IP was created only to comment videos like this?

[@sad_no]

I love my country! When i get the chance i will sign up to milatary im 3 yrs too young!

[@thispleasesthen.u.t.8334]

If you volounteer to Lithuanian military training you become an officer

[@chnppPripyat]

Lithuania is doing everything right. We must be ready. Not sure it would be Russia, but we must be ready for anything. Ukraine for many years was not engaged in the army and is not supported, always waiting for the enemy to Europe and the US, but it turned out the other way around

[@shampoable]

Damn you Vice, making me want to go through base military training - a voluntary conscription of sorts

[@ShawarmaFarmer]

Every army should have access to simunitions. It makes war games like this more realistic because you can feel the round impact you and it hurts like a paintball while using realistic weaponry. Then you can really test the effectiveness of your Rapid Response Forces.

[@rytisliaucys3444]

Quite an old comment, but Lithuania does use "MILES" systems, which has a laser-based system like this that tells you if you were shot.

[@LuisGomez-hq9pv]

"So that's not russia?" "No" *smiles at camera*

[@diamondmine360]

Good Luck Lithuania, how about you go fix your normal issues before attempting to create a military out of nothing, to defend for no reason. Why would Russia ever want a place like Lithuania? No resource incentives, and Russia doesn't need more land.

[@cud0s]

diamondmine360 How about seriously damaging reputation of NATO by annexing one of the members? Also we want to pull our own fair share in the NATO, even though we don't have a lot of resources.

[@RaytheonPwnsYou]

diamondmine360 Because Lithuania can't do both? Nice strawman, though.

[@NIKOLASAV1]

cud0s If they want let them, put half the budget on arms, who cares.

[@wyvernlord23]

diamondmine360 "Russia doesn't need more land." Then tell them to return Crimea.

[@65kasara]

wyvernlord23 crimea wanted to become a part of russia and it was gien to them by russia anyways

[@twentylush]

"So that's not Russia?" "Yup" -smiles at the camera- I'd follow this guy into battle

[@immortal2895]

Good luck Lithuania. A little axe can cut down a big tree

[@kotomixkyou]

Some background information: The current president of Lithuania is on her second term as the first female President (and the first President to be re-elected consecutively), she was a member of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union and Communist Party of Lithuania, and defended her PhD thesis at Moscow Academy of Social Sciences. After re-election (not as a part of her election rhetoric) and the Russian annexation of Crimea, she has since called Russia "a terrorist nation that must be stopped" and compared Putin's usage of nationality to Stalin and Hitler. Lithuania has a very high HDI of 0.834, its Prime Minister and President had approval ratings between the 50s and 60s the last few years, there has been little indication of leader popularity to foreign relations with Russia in the last year according to polls. Russia carried a military drill in Kaliningrad with 9000 soldiers in December 2014. Lithuania has active military personnel of roughly 8,000, and spends ~1.1% of its GDP on the military. Russia has active military personnel of roughly 770,000, and spends ~4.4% of its GDP on the military.

[@kotomixkyou]

Andrius Jokubauskas My mistake, I meant the first to be re-elected consecutively, Valdas did have two terms but was interrupted by Rolandas Paksas who was impeached.

[@jappazz]

What kind of bullets do they use during drills? is it just something that makes a sound when you shoot?

[@TaYamasi]

well this aged well :)

[@2hotflavored666]

Tai tikrai

[@xan76est]

Your map is missing 2 island on Estonian map - Hiiumaa and Saaremaa :)

[@brightmal]

I hope that the Lithuanian military is going to step up the difficulty of these exercises. Going easy on your troops in training is not doing them any favours if the shit really hits the fan.

[@Bigsky1991]

UDIJA! Long live Udija! I love it... love the Baltic people...super friendly, beautiful women, great food, Can't wait to come back in September

[@incrediblyStupid678]

See, what makes this more of an excercise in vanity than in military tactics is the fact that they all go into this thinking: Group red are the enemy invaders, group blue are the friendly defenders. Of course, from a purely psychological standpoint, the invaders are going to perform worse than they could. It would be a lot more efficient to take a green and a yellow team and, for example, tell the yellow team: "There are invaders coming, defend this city" (simplified, but you get my meaning) and tell the green team: "The yellow invaders have taken this city from us, take it back!". THAT'S when the excercise actually becomes valuable and you learn things. Of course I don't think this was a real excercise, this was more for the press and the public. I highly doubt they would risk showing off a real excercise like that.

[@longfiller2548]

4:20 absolutely :)

[@MrHaun]

Stay strong, Lithuania.

[@michael2351]

I would recommend more use of grenades to blow rooms up and flares to light up dark interior areas.

[@TheAirBudd]

I feel like Vice CGIs a lot of those muzzle flashes for dramatic effect, because they're way too consistent in shape and frequency, even for a dimly lit space such as the opening scene.

[@valeyo]

i dont want to take an pro or con side to ether usa or russia BUT i think is quiet unrealistic for russia to attack a country like lithuania, i mean nato and EU member, nothing special in the country so yea... i would think its strange

[@cud0s]

ButterK Well it obstructs Russia from Baltic sea, also it would seriously damage NATO credibility. It's uncomfortable truth that Putin's wet dream is annexing Baltics.

[@rauliacoban6163]

They don't prepare for invasion, they prepare for "Udjia backed separatists"

[@user-mu1oj1sk8r]

ButterK yes this is solo strange Russia don't need more lands

[@lanciadr]

Анна Третьякова And yet they annexed Crimea and claim more.

[@theepers6044]

cud0s you can't annex your own land, fuck face. The Baltics are part of Russia and they only exist in their current state because Russia allows them to have some autonomy. The way they have join the EU and NATO is a slap in the face to Russia, but Russia has been calm, cool, and collected when dealing with these infantile sub-countries. The EU and NATO pushing further into Russian lands is what is causing Russia to finally stand firm again against western imperialism. Now these people are going to lose everything that Russia gave them, because they continued to bite their master.

[@mikeylejan8849]

Long live free Lithuania, love from the United States of America!

[@GeckoNovice]

11:03 You say Rambo killing spree but two assault rifles on full auto would have been alot of firepower on a group like that.

[@LightningCorperation]

What type of weapon ammo were they using? Was it rubber bullets or something else?

[@VelmiVelkiZrut]

Austin 064 Blank fire. You can tell by the comment of the Lithuanian commander that he believes that his men would have suppressed that group, and during the Anti-Terror unit strike. Simunition or projectiles would involve some "deaths" among both forces, whereas here it appears mostly scripted or just a test of how fast and well people in the military respond. Also, notice they aren't wearing any eye protection. If there were projectiles flying, they'd need at least some goggles.

[@algieturas612]

I am a first generation Australian, my grandparents were born in Lietuva. I'm planning to travel to Lietuva about August 2018. Does anybody think this is unwise? Should I be concerned about how quickly tensions are escalating? Is there a website that can keep me up to date regarding the Lithuanian/Russian situation? Many thanks.

[@shimnyLT]

Dont worry, I am living 12 years in Lithuania, it is safe here. If you just come to visit you wouldnt even notice any danger

[@algieturas612]

Aciu. labai

[@shimnyLT]

+Algie Turas Prasom

[@ottomanliviton6610]

Come here we welcome australians my friend was in australia last year

[@SteitechLaboratories]

That training exercise is a genius move because not only does it serve as a learning tool, but it also shows the population what will happen if they try to rebel, and shows the rest of the world that they are not backing down. Lithuania for NATO member of the year!

[@stevecariggillio4139]

That sounds rather grim

[@nubemuffin]

Why not use gunpowder projected paintball? I think it would be much more effective in determining casualties.

[@robertryzner9219]

I've done one of these operations there. Good times.

[@merlin1997ish]

I don't care if it's unrealistic, it's pretty cool

[@axor22]

the russians trolls are coming !

[@Nobodydude973]

Could someone enlighten me and explain why these soldiers have Hk weaponry?

[@parraeels1990]

What are they using instead of bullets? How does the weapon get a flash?

[@xBIGMUSCLEx]

Blanks

[@Espanyol_Espaghetti]

Good thing Russians are far from Mexico hehe

[@chefsebastien4770]

don't worry, russian balistic missiles can travel across the planet

[@ravetv8384]

And america support mafia and hold your country down

[@leitis820]

Don't worry you have fucking cartels xd

[@spurdosparde804]

But their missiles aren’t

[@rubenmalate5557]

Long live Lithuania respect sovereignty Freedom God bless you

[@jibrail85]

How the soldier feel to go for training to prepare more bigger attack from bigger country?

[@granduke7196]

I am Lithuania and all I can say is, THIS IS NEVER GONNA Happen I mean who would need Lithuania? We don't have a lot here!

[@Edgymemer]

Lithuania Ball I don’t think Putin is interested in Lithuania.

[@Lithuanian_NAFO_lad]

You do know we are a key point to reach Konigsberg, or Kalinibgrad? Plus, Putin would love another warm water port.

[@aleksandrasrimdzius]

As a Lithuanian I feel rather calmed after watching this, so sad our own media is oriented towards exploitation of fear and hate, all this was rather rational methodical preparation for more realistic scenario.

[@TROLLSPAM666]

Good Job Lithuania

[@Ms3063]

They should train with SIM-Gear. Like that the scenario would be a lot more realistic and they would have to fight more carefully.

[@ret1608]

I'm wondering when will Western media or media in general talk about TTP & TTIP

[@Dufffaaa93]

Tijuana What's that?

[@bobwong2995]

Dufffaaa93 Trade agreement between the US and asian countries, but the US can impose laws in those asian countries or something like that

[@jamalihamilton7866]

I'm wondering when will Russian media in general talk about Russians soldiers killed in Ukraine.

[@Tierchenmeister]

Tijuana German media does. Heart it in the radio again and again over the course of months. Do you consider Germany part of the West?

[@amazonindia2170]

Russians are not idiots to attack a NATO country

[@justinlafser916]

The Udijan flag looks very nice actually. xD

[@mattmangrum8491]

4:23 "Absolutely" Then that look to the camera.. Intense man. lol

[@shawnwolf9240]

This is really good training. It really helps to be ready for anything