NATO Jets Down Suspected Russian Drone Over Lithuanian Airspace
Photo: Collected
Italian fighter jets deployed under the North Atlantic Treaty Organization mission have shot down a drone in Lithuanian airspace, with officials making the preliminary assessment that the aircraft originated from Russia.
According to the National Crisis Management Center of Lithuania, the suspected drone entered the country's airspace from Belarus on Tuesday local time. The aircraft was brought down near the small settlement of Pratkunai in the central region of the country, located north of Lithuania's second-largest city, Kaunas.
Lithuanian Defense Minister Robertas Kaunas stated in a social media post that the downed drone carried explosives, adding that authorities are examining the wreckage to definitively determine whether it is of Russian origin.
Following a meeting with personnel at the site, Minister Kaunas noted that the decisive action by the Italian fighter jet clearly highlights the importance of the Atlantic alliance and the true meaning of partnership within the bloc.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen characterized the incident as part of a continuing series of provocations and aggression directed against Europe. Meanwhile, German Foreign Minister Johan Wadephul directly blamed Russia for the incursion, emphasizing that NATO members will not be intimidated under any circumstances.
Russian authorities did not immediately issue a response regarding the downing of the drone.
