The Prime Minister of Lithuania, Inga Ruģiniene, announced on Facebook that the government has decided to begin the evacuation of its most vulnerable citizens from the United Arab Emirates and other neighboring countries, where travel is currently considered safe. The move comes in light of the limited opportunities to travel to safe destinations amid the ongoing conflict in the region. The Foreign Ministry is actively working to inform those registered and seeking help for evacuation options.

Prime Minister Ruģiniene emphasized the importance of adhering to local authorities' recommendations and advised citizens to stay close to shelters given the increased risks associated with travel from Israel and Lebanon. As tensions escalate, particularly with Iran and Israel, many Lithuanians may find it increasingly dangerous to remain in immediate conflict zones. The Prime Minister urged Lithuanian citizens in potentially perilous areas to follow the Foreign Ministry's guidelines and to reach out for assistance if needed.

Current data from the Foreign Ministry indicates that there are around 2,000 Lithuanian citizens in the region, with more than half residing in the UAE. This evacuation is a crucial step in ensuring the safety of these individuals as geopolitical tensions continue to rise, highlighting the Lithuanian government's commitment to the welfare of its citizens abroad during such uncertain times.