Kremlin-Affiliated News Agency Pulls Column Urging Missile Strike on Lithuania
Russia's state news agency RIA Novosti deleted an opinion column that called for a military strike on Lithuania, according to reports. The piece, written by Alexander Nosovich, proposed using missiles rather than ground troops and came after Lithuania moved to allow nuclear weapons and foreign military bases. RIA Novosti said the article did not reflect its editorial policy or the Russian state's position.
The column, authored by Alexander Nosovich, who leads the Kaliningrad-based RuBaltic.ru outlet reportedly tied to Russian foreign intelligence, was pulled within hours. RIA Novosti issued a formal disclaimer, stating the piece did not reflect its editorial stance or the Russian government's official position. An archived version remains accessible online.
The piece directly responded to Lithuania's Seimas vote to remove constitutional barriers to hosting nuclear weapons and foreign bases. This followed a stark warning from Dmitry Medvedev, who said Lithuania could "disappear from the map of the world" under such circumstances. Nosovich's proposal specifically advocated a missile-only campaign, avoiding ground troops, while Putin had recently denied any plans to attack Europe.
The rapid deletion of this column may signal a deliberate boundary within Russian state media, yet its initial publication could still inflame regional tensions. Baltic nations and NATO allies may view this as a test of resolve, potentially accelerating defense planning. For European publics, such rhetoric could heighten anxiety about nuclear escalation, even if the Kremlin disavows it. The incident also underscores how state-controlled outlets sometimes float extreme ideas before officially distancing themselves, leaving a lingering impact on diplomatic trust.