NATO jets down drone in Lithuania
Summary
NATO fighter jets shot down a drone that entered Lithuanian airspace overnight, in the alliance’s first confirmed downing of a drone over the country. The incident comes amid escalating tensions around NATO’s eastern flank and continued Russian strikes across Ukraine.
Key Points
- NATO fighter jets shot down a drone that entered Lithuanian airspace near Pratkūnai, marking the first such incident in Lithuania.
- Lithuanian officials said the drone likely came from Belarus and may have been carrying explosives, but its origin and purpose remain under investigation.
- NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte warned that strikes near alliance territory would prompt stronger support for Kyiv and reinforced defenses along NATO’s eastern border.
- Russian attacks continued across Ukraine, while President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Kyiv was ready to support de-escalation if Russia genuinely stopped the war.
