Lithuania has demanded immediate action from NATO after a Russian drone breached its airspace, escalating tensions in the already volatile Baltic region. The incident, which occurred near the border with Belarus, has sparked fears of further provocations from Moscow.
Details of the Incident
The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was detected entering Lithuanian territory early on Tuesday morning. Authorities confirmed that the drone originated from Russia and flew several kilometres into Lithuanian airspace before turning back.
Lithuania's Response
Lithuanian Defence Minister Arvydas Anušauskas condemned the violation as "a deliberate act of aggression" and called for an emergency NATO meeting. "This is not just about Lithuania – it's about the security of the entire alliance," he stated.
NATO's Stance
NATO officials have acknowledged the incident but stopped short of announcing specific measures. A spokesperson said the alliance "takes all violations of member state sovereignty seriously" and is monitoring the situation closely.
Regional Implications
Security experts warn this could signal a new phase of Russian testing of NATO defences in the Baltics. The incident follows increased military activity near the Suwałki Gap, a strategically vital corridor between Belarus and Russia's Kaliningrad enclave.
As tensions mount, Baltic leaders are pushing for enhanced air defence systems and more robust NATO presence in the region.
