In the Curonian Lagoon, just a few kilometers from the border with Russia's Kaliningrad region, Lithuanian maritime border guards conduct daily patrols using specialized equipment. During winter, traditional vehicles are unable to navigate the icy waters, necessitating the use of hovercraft. Journalist Vidmantas Balkūnas from 15min joined the patrol, providing an insider's perspective on how the border is secured in challenging conditions where clear borders and roads are absent, surrounded only by frozen wasteland.

The hovercraft used for the patrol glides over the thick ice of the Curonian Lagoon, navigating areas that conventional vessels can't reach due to cracking ice and open fissures. This unique craft's ability to travel over ice, water, and shallow areas makes it the only practical option for patrolling in such extreme winter conditions. The crew faces harsh weather as they begin their patrol along the Russian border, dealing with sub-zero temperatures and moderate winds, which adds complexity to their critical mission.

This on-the-ground report highlights the complexities and challenges faced by border guards in Lithuania, especially in wintertime when conditions make traditional patrolling methods impractical. The operations not only emphasize the importance of monitoring the border in real time but also reflect the geopolitical tensions in the region, pointing to the broader implications of national security and border control against a backdrop of ongoing conflicts in neighboring areas.