NATO fighter jets intercepted and shot down a drone that entered Lithuanian airspace Tuesday, officials announced. The incident occurred less than 24 hours after NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte stated that strikes occurring close to the alliance's territory would prompt increased support for Ukraine from the trans-Atlantic organization.
The drone was downed near the village of Pratkūnai in the Kaišiadorys district, situated approximately 60 miles west of the capital, Vilnius, and close to the Kaunas Reservoir, according to Lithuania's National Crisis Management Center. This event marks the first instance of a drone being shot down within Lithuanian airspace, the country's military confirmed.
Authorities have not yet commented on the drone's origin or its intended purpose, stating that the incident is under further investigation. However, Vilmantas Vitkauskas, head of the crisis center, told Lithuanian public broadcaster LRT that the drone most likely entered from Belarus, a country that shares a border with Lithuania and is a key ally of Moscow. The drone reportedly remained in Lithuanian airspace for about 30 minutes, traversing the outskirts of populated areas before being intercepted.
Antanas Matutis, commander of the Lithuanian air force, indicated that the drone's wreckage had been recovered and that the aircraft was "likely" carrying explosives.
The incursion into Lithuanian airspace follows remarks made by Rutte on Monday at NATO headquarters in Brussels. He characterized actions "close to NATO territory" as evidence of Russian President Vladimir Putin's "desperation and also his desire to sow fear and terror." Rutte further asserted that Russia is becoming "increasingly reckless" in its war against Ukraine and pledged to strengthen the 32-nation alliance's defenses along its eastern flank.
Meanwhile, Russia reported shooting down 222 Ukrainian drones overnight, according to its Defense Ministry. In Ukraine, Kyiv reported that eight people were injured in Russian strikes on the capital since the start of the day, including two at gas stations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated late Monday that Kyiv is "ready to support de-escalation" and believes Russia is under pressure from Ukrainian strikes on its war economy. He added that Ukraine would take de-escalatory steps if its partners could ensure Russia's genuine, long-term readiness to end the war.