Lithuania holds presidential election as anxieties rise over Russia

Gitanas Nauseda is expected to continue in office, but he may first face a run-off vote. Picture: Mindaugas Kulbis/AP

Lithuanians are casting votes in a presidential election at a time when Russian gains on the battlefield in Ukraine are fuelling greater fears about Moscow’s intentions, particularly in the strategically important Baltic region.

The popular incumbent, Gitanas Nauseda, is favoured to win another five-year term in office. But there are eight candidates running in total, making it difficult for him or anyone else to muster the 50% of votes needed to win outright on Sunday – meaning a run-off will be held on May 26.