Growing threats from Russia raise questions about the security of Polish assets, particularly Orlen’s refinery in Możejki, Lithuania. The company states it constantly cooperates with all services responsible for safety.
Intelligence reports indicate an increased risk of provocations and attacks by Russia on NATO’s eastern flank, especially in the Baltic states, within the coming weeks. Two key drivers are cited: the upcoming commissioning of a Latvian air and drone defense system on the border with Russia and Belarus by the end of September, and the Russian State Duma elections – the first since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. With the war in Ukraine stalling and domestic sentiment waning, President Putin may seek a visible success, potentially against a NATO member.
Analysts suggest these could be 'false flag’ operations using Ukrainian drones captured by Russia. In May, two drones launched from Ukraine, likely diverted by Russian GPS jamming, struck an oil depot in Rēzekne, Latvia. Services are now considering a repeat scenario targeting Orlen’s fuel infrastructure in Możejki, where Russia could stage an attack and blame Ukraine.
Orlen’s response and security measures
Orlen Lietuva constantly cooperates with all relevant services and institutions responsible for state security and critical infrastructure protection, both on the Lithuanian side and, where appropriate, with Polish partners. Information exchange and risk assessment are continuous and integrated into existing security, crisis response, and business continuity procedures – the Orlen press office told WNP.
The company says it constantly monitors the security environment and analyzes a broad spectrum of risks, including geopolitical, operational, cyber, and supply chain continuity risks. The infrastructure in Możejki is covered by organizational, technical, and procedural solutions appropriate for such facilities and their importance to the region’s energy security. These measures are reviewed and adapted to the current situation.
Limited public disclosure for security reasons
Due to the nature of these issues, we do not publicly comment on the details of cooperation with services, specific risk scenarios, types of security measures, their locations, or technical parameters. We also do not comment on details of potential incidents, reports, or operational assessments conducted by competent institutions. Disclosing such information could limit the effectiveness of preventive and protective actions – summarized the Orlen press office.
Unofficially, Orlen employees stress that public awareness of threats from Russia or Belarus is significantly higher in Lithuania than in Poland.
Źródło: WNP.PL, Fot. Orlen / Materiały prasowe
