Lithuania renews military conscription over Russian security fears

Lithuania plans to renew military conscription for the first time since 2008, the president's office said, after growing worries over Russian assertiveness in the Baltic region.

"The State Defence Council, taking into account the geopolitical situation and threats to the state's security, decided that the country's defence capabilities need to be strengthened further," the president's office said in a statement.

The conscription will be renewed for a five year period, the office said.