The Lithuanian Foreign Minister recently expressed the need to remove individuals associated with Russian intelligence from the Orthodox Archdiocese of Vilnius, which he claimed remains under the influence of the Moscow Patriarchate despite its stated desire for independence. This comment came in the context of a national security threat assessment conducted by intelligence agencies that indicated ongoing ties between the Archdiocese and Russian authorities. The Minister argued that, akin to scrutinizing companies wishing to invest in strategic sectors for national security, the same vigilance should be applied to religious organizations linked to foreign intelligence.

In his statements during an LRT Fo­rum broadcast, he articulated a clear stance on the risks associated with the Orthodox Church's dependency on Russian structures. He asserted that removing those who pose threats to national security from within the Church would be essential to safeguard Lithuanian interests. This reflects a broader concern in Lithuania regarding Russian influence, particularly in institutions that could potentially undermine national sovereignty and security.

Furthermore, Deividas Matulionis, a presidential advisor on national security issues, cautioned against generalizing that the entire Orthodox Church in Lithuania poses a national security threat. He stated that while there may be isolated instances of sabotage, it would be excessive to label the Church as a whole as a risk to national safety. This highlights the complexity of the situation and the delicate balance the Lithuanian government must maintain in addressing potential threats while respecting religious freedom and pluralism within the country.