NATO announced that its fighters shot down a drone that had entered Lithuanian airspace last night. This incident occurred as NATO officials emphasized that attacks close to the territory of the organization would only increase their support for Ukraine in the war against Russia's large-scale invasion.
Details of the Incident
Military officials in Lithuania, which is a NATO member, announced that this is the first time a drone has been shot down in the airspace of this country. Officials did not provide details about the origin or purpose of the drone and stated that further investigations are needed in this regard. However, two senior officials indicated that the device likely carried explosives.
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In recent weeks, NATO officials from Germany, Denmark, the UK, and Poland have accused Russia of being involved in activities such as drone incursions, sabotage, and surveillance of defense facilities. They also referred to potential Russian plans to use explosive-laden drones to attack airports.
Incidents in Denmark
Separately, Denmark also announced that one of its Air Force helicopters was targeted by flares while monitoring a Russian corvette in the Baltic Sea. The Danish Foreign Ministry called this action unacceptable and stated that the Russian ambassador in Copenhagen has been summoned over this incident.
Jens Stoltenberg, NATO Secretary General, stated that attacks close to NATO territory reflect Vladimir Putin's desperation and desire to instill fear and panic. These remarks followed a Russian drone attack on a railway line near the border of Ukraine and Poland.
Stoltenberg also committed to strengthening the defenses of this 32-nation alliance along its eastern border with Russia and Belarus, which is a Russian ally.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, stated that the recent incidents in Lithuania and Denmark are not isolated cases but part of a broader pattern of Russian aggressions and provocations against Europe.
Von der Leyen emphasized that "the Russians will only face our resolve" and noted that this resolve is only increasing.
Future Developments
The downed drone in Lithuania fell near the village of Pratkelonai, about 100 kilometers west of the capital, Vilnius. The National Crisis Management Center of Lithuania announced that the drone remained in Lithuanian airspace for about 30 minutes and flew along the outskirts of residential areas.
Vilmantas Vitkauskas, head of the crisis center, told the media that the drone likely entered from Belarus. Lithuania's Defense Minister, Arvydas Anušauskas, also announced in a Facebook post that an explosive device was identified on the drone and neutralized by experts.
Lithuania, which shares borders with Belarus and the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad, has frequently faced threats from drones. In May, residents of Vilnius were directed to shelters, and the President and Prime Minister were moved to safe locations.
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Source: abcnews.com
