Security to probe Lithuanian Airports board member over alleged Russia, Belarus links

Lithuania's Transport Minister, Juras Taminskas, has ordered the removal of Oleksandras Laneckis from the board of Lithuanian Airports amid growing concerns over his alleged connections to Russia and Belarus. The decision follows public scrutiny and internal investigations into Laneckis' professional history and political affiliations. Laneckis resigned from the board voluntarily, according to the Transport Ministry, which confirmed the move on Thursday. The minister has initiated a process to appoint two new board members, one independent and one representing the public sector, to replace him. The controversy began earlier this week when the State Security Department was tasked with conducting an urgent review of Laneckis' suitability for the role. This came after opposition lawmakers raised questions about his past business dealings and public statements regarding Russia and Belarus. Specifically, the Homeland Union, Lithuanian Christian Democrats (TS-LKD) highlighted Laneckis' former roles at Friendly Avia Support, a company that once advised Belarusian state-owned enterprises on aviation issues, and Linetech Aircraft Maintenance, a firm that operated in Russia and other Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries. The TS-LKD also pointed to Laneckis' appearances in pro-Russian media, where he allegedly discussed ways to bypass Western sanctions. In addition, they noted his use of the term "special military operation" to describe Russia's invasion of Ukraine, a phrase commonly used by the Russian government. Laneckis also reportedly expressed a neutral stance on Belarus's 2021 forced landing of a Ryanair flight in Minsk, an incident widely condemned by Lithuania and its allies. Taminskas explained that while initial security screenings had cleared Laneckis for the board position, new information had emerged that warranted further examination. He emphasized that the ministry would act based on the results of the investigation and that if the findings were unfavorable, Laneckis would not be allowed to continue serving. The minister admitted he had not been aware of these allegations prior to the inquiry and stated he does not typically monitor Russian media or analyze companies linked to them. Laneckis denied the allegations, insisting that his previous comments had been misinterpreted or taken out of context. In a statement to LRT RADIO, he claimed to have always supported Lithuania's interests and never criticized aid efforts for Ukraine. He clarified that his media appearances were limited to Belarusian and Russian opposition outlets and that his business relationships with Belarus and Russia had been terminated following the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Laneckis also mentioned that his company, Friendly Avia Support, had ceased cooperation with Belarusian partners in early 2020. He added that his involvement with Linetech Aircraft Maintenance had ended with the outbreak of the war in Ukraine. Previously, he held a senior position at Avia Solutions Group, a company focused on the CIS and Russian markets, under the leadership of Lithuanian entrepreneur Gediminas Žiemelis. On the Lithuanian Airports board, Laneckis was responsible for overseeing strategic planning and the aviation sector. His departure leaves a vacancy that must be filled ahead of the board's planned election of a chairman on August 28. The outcome of the State Security Department's assessment will determine whether Laneckis can retain his position or if he will face formal disciplinary action. Meanwhile, the search for his replacement continues, reflecting the ministry's commitment to ensuring that all board members uphold the highest standards of integrity and national loyalty.