NATO fighter jets shot down a drone that entered Lithuanian airspace early Tuesday, according to Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda. The drone is believed to have crossed into southern Lithuania, near the city of Kaunas, from Belarus shortly after midnight.
"A drone that just entered Lithuanian airspace was destroyed by NATO fighter jets," Nausėda announced in a statement on X, formerly Twitter. The Lithuanian national crisis management center confirmed the incident but stated that the drone's origin remains undetermined. Earlier on Tuesday, drone alerts were issued across the capital, Vilnius, and the surrounding region.
Nausėda emphasized the importance of readiness in the region, stating, "With Russia intensifying its aggression against Ukraine, such readiness is vital for our region. Together with our NATO Allies, Lithuania will defend its airspace." Lithuania shares significant borders with Belarus, a close ally of Russia. Military drone incursions have become more frequent across Europe since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine began.