Preparing for Crisis Means Learning Fast – And Not Just on the Battlefield
When war broke out in Ukraine, it didn’t just change Kyiv – it changed Vilnius, too. From energy and healthcare to military planning and public morale, Lithuania has taken Ukraine’s suffering as a signal to strengthen every part of its defence system. And as Vice Minister of National Defence Tomas Godliauskas explains, the lessons learned are being applied far beyond army barracks.
In his detailed conversation with journalist Vilma Kava, Godliauskas offers an inside look at how Lithuania is changing – and how global Lithuanians, including the Lithuanian diaspora and the Lithuanian National Guard, should understand and support this evolving strategy.
Q: In the U.S., we often hear differing opinions on whether Lithuania is genuinely ready to face conventional or hybrid threats. What lessons has Lithuania learned from the war in Ukraine, and how has it shaped its defence planning?
The Ministry and the Lithuanian Armed Forces are closely connected with Ukraine – we observe their military evolution, industrial development, political decisions, and more. We have identified which measures work in defending a nation and what has been overlooked.
While military capabilities are critical, so is the entire nation’s and region’s readiness.
Our healthcare system, for instance, is actively engaged with Ukrainians – learning from and supporting them. Wartime medicine requires a different kind of preparation: new flow dynamics, different wound types, shifted treatment priorities.
At the national level, we are adjusting university education and infrastructure to better connect the medical and military sectors.
The same applies to other sectors. Ukraine shows us that energy infrastructure is one of the most heavily targeted assets. Our energy professionals are studying how to protect facilities locally – transformer stations, for instance – and how to identify the most vulnerable locations.
Yes, most of the pressure to be ready falls on the military. But civic will is just as vital. The population’s readiness to resist and support defence efforts matters deeply. Russia deploys tactics to break our societal spirit – disinformation and psychological operations.
Ukraine’s situation teaches us many lessons – from a legal and strategic point of view. Military-wise, we see how technologies and decisions are evolving, different from the past norms of Western defence. We must analyze and adapt.
A New Kind of Readiness
One major shift, according to the Vice Minister, is the integration of civil systems into defence planning. Lithuania is no longer viewing war as something only soldiers respond to. Doctors, engineers, teachers – they all now have roles.
Hospitals are training for battlefield triage. Universities are updating medical programs to account for wartime conditions. Energy companies are evaluating their infrastructure not just for efficiency, but for survivability. This is total defence, and it is deeply informed by what is happening in Ukraine.
What the Lithuanian National Guard Can Learn
Members of the Lithuanian National Guard, especially those operating outside Lithuania, should view this as a signal to evolve as well. The same mindset Lithuania applies at home can also be used abroad: adapt, support, and prepare.
In the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and elsewhere, Lithuanian organizations can focus on readiness through:
- Medical training support and supplies
- Cybersecurity awareness
- Civic education programs for youth
- Coordinated communication strategies to fight misinformation
All of this complements the formal work of the Ministry of Defence. And it makes a difference.
Fighting Back Without Firing First
Godliauskas made an important point: the goal is not to be the first to fire, but to be the first to understand. Knowing how to handle gray zone tactics – such as psychological pressure, economic disruption, and political manipulation – is just as important as knowing how to handle tanks or drones.
In this context, the Lithuanian diaspora plays a vital role. Our global presence gives Lithuania reach, influence, and insight. We can help defend the nation without ever wearing a uniform – just by staying informed and active.
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Vilma Kava is a Lithuanian-American author and journalist with a strong interest in Lithuanian culture and history. She has written two books that explore Lithuania’s heritage and traditions. Vilma regularly writes for Draugas newspaper, offering articles that resonate with the Lithuanian diaspora. She also contributes to the Lithuanian National Guard Facebook page, sharing stories and content that promote community engagement and cultural awareness.
LTNationalGuard is the voice of the Lithuanian diaspora, focused on reflecting the unity and spirit of the global Lithuanian National Guard community. As the main writer for sauliai.org, LTNationalGuard shares the experiences and values of the Guards, highlighting the ongoing effort to preserve Lithuanian heritage. Each piece of content connects with the community, capturing the essence of the National Guards and helping members stay connected worldwide.
