An Italian fighter jet flying for NATO shot down what Lithuanian officials described as a suspected Russian drone after it entered Lithuanian airspace from Belarus on Tuesday. The drone was brought down near Pratkunai in central Lithuania, just north of Kaunas, and Lithuania’s Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas said it was carrying an explosive.
Debris was being examined to determine whether the device came from Russia or another country, officials said.
What officials said about the incident
Lithuania’s national crisis management centre said the drone crossed into the country from Belarus. After meeting crews at the scene, Kaunas said the Italian jet’s intervention showed the value of the Atlantic alliance and what it means to be an ally. Read the context: Romanian fighter jet intercepts and shoots down suspected Russian drone over national airspace.
The device was intercepted over Lithuania as regional authorities reported a series of security incidents linked to Russia’s war in Ukraine. The available information does not establish the drone’s origin while the debris examination continues.
Officials warn of wider regional tension
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the incident as part of a pattern of aggression and provocation against Europe. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul blamed Russia and said NATO members would not be intimidated. Russian officials had not immediately commented.
The incident followed Russia firing flares at a Danish military helicopter monitoring a Russian warship in the Baltic Sea on Monday. Poland’s Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz said recent events threatened the security of all of Europe.
The developments also followed Russian drone strikes on Sunday, including an attack on a train near the Polish border. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte subsequently pledged more support for Ukraine. At a press conference, Kaunas said the Russia-Ukraine war had spread and that incidents would continue without a negotiated settlement; he also said Russian President Vladimir Putin did not want a peaceful settlement.
What happens next
Authorities were examining the drone debris to determine whether it originated in Russia or another country.
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