The author, Dainius Žalimas, examines Lithuania's recent foreign policy maneuvers, particularly in relation to its positions on Taiwan and Belarus. He highlights the troubling precedent set by the government when it curtailed the physical security for Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, a notable Belarusian opposition figure. Tsikhanouskaya's evacuation to Warsaw under dubious security assessments raises concerns about the safety of foreign representatives in Lithuania and suggests a worrying trend of appeasement towards Russian interests in the region.

Moreover, the article hints at the possibility that this shift may indicate a broader willingness within Lithuania's ruling coalition to adopt a more conciliatory approach towards Moscow, potentially at the expense of valuable partnerships such as that with Taiwan. Žalimas emphasizes the importance of understanding these 'silent steps' that may solidify Russia's influence in Lithuania's foreign policy and security landscape. The discussion sheds light on how internal and external pressures can shape national policy in delicate geopolitical environments.

In conclusion, the author warns that without a clear stance against rising authoritarian influences, Lithuania risks compromising its democratic values and international alliances. The potential for Hungary's influence in Lithuania's foreign policy serves as a critical reminder of the larger European tensions surrounding issues of sovereignty, national security, and external alliances in the face of Russian aggression.