Lithuania – This month is the third consecutive month that schools and other public institutions in Lithuania have been targeted by hundreds of e-mails containing bomb threats.
Official reports indicate that the e-mails are received at night and number in the hundreds, and usually indicate a specific time that explosives will go off in the targeted structure. The number of schools, gymnasiums, and municipal offices that have received such threats are in the dozens, often forcing their evacuation. Airports and hydroelectric power stations have also received them. The e-mails are also said to usually be in the Russian language, although a wave of them received in late November were in English.
Lithuania’s National Crisis Management Centre says that the threats are part of a coordinated “information attack” on the county. Institutions were nevertheless encouraged not to interrupt their usual activities unless physical evidence of a specific threat is obtained.
Reports further suggest that similar messages were received by institutions in other parts of the Baltics, specifically Latvia and Estonia.
While no evidence has been found linking the threatening messages to Russia, some experts have speculated that the country may be behind these attacks, and Lithuania’s state security has stated that “hostile states” may be responsible, and has called for increased security measures.
“This country has long been aware of the risk of Russian interference,” said Dr. Amy Verdun of Leiden University.“The motivation for Lithuanians to be close to the European Union was importantly motivated by seeking to keep distance from and be protected from Russia.”

The occurrence of bomb threats in Lithuanian schools is a distressing trend, posing a serious threat to the safety of students, educators, and staff. Such incidents not only disrupt the learning environment but also create widespread fear and anxiety within communities. Authorities, including the police and school administrations, must swiftly respond, implementing rigorous security measures to ensure the protection of all individuals on school premises. Additionally, efforts should be intensified to investigate the origins of these threats and hold perpetrators accountable. Community awareness and cooperation are crucial in fostering a secure educational environment, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and prompt reporting of suspicious activities. Comprehensive strategies that combine preventive measures, crisis management, and psychological support for affected individuals are essential to mitigate the impact of these threats on the education system and society as a whole.