Lithuania and Poland are preparing to evacuate civilians from the Baltic states via the Suwałki Corridor as part of crisis exercises

Lithuania and Poland are preparing a joint mechanism for the evacuation, in the event of a major crisis, of civilians from Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia to Polish territory. The procedures, logistics, and infrastructure capacity are being analyzed במסגרת the “Vyčio Skliautas 2026” exercises, held in Lithuania between September 25 and October 3.

The plan does not indicate the existence of an imminent military threat, with Lithuanian authorities presenting the exercises as a preventive measure to test response capacity. An agreement between Warsaw and Vilnius is necessary before the detailed intervention mechanism is developed.

Approximately 3,000 officials, members of emergency response services, and representatives of institutions, local administrations, companies, and nongovernmental organizations are participating in the exercises, along with around 1,000 volunteers. Warning systems, assembly and registration points, civilian transport, and the transfer of evacuees are being tested.

The Suwałki Corridor plays a central role: the strip of territory between Poland and Lithuania that connects the Baltic states to the rest of NATO and the European Union. Poland is analyzing the preparation of reception and accommodation centers, while the Podlaskie region could become the main transit corridor for evacuees.