dronų incidents remain a persistent risk as war in Ukraine continues

Lithuania’s Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas has warned that the ongoing war in Ukraine continues to raise the risk of drone incursions into Lithuanian airspace.

In a Facebook post on Monday, Kaunas said the conflict in Ukraine means the likelihood of such incidents remains high, despite Lithuania’s efforts to strengthen air defence and surveillance.

“As long as Russia’s war in Ukraine continues, the probability of such incidents remains high. Lithuania is investing in air defence and surveillance, but air defence remains one of NATO’s greatest challenges,” he wrote.

The minister said he will travel to Ukraine in the coming days to continue consultations on air defence innovation. “We must accept the new reality, but we cannot justify or shirk responsibility—we must work even faster to strengthen air surveillance and defence capabilities,” he added.

On Monday morning, a drone suspected to have entered from Belarus crashed near Lake Lavyso in Varėna district, southern Lithuania. Emergency services reported no danger to residents. The wreckage showed signs of impact and an internal combustion engine typical of drones, but no explosives were found.

Investigators from police, the State Fire and Rescue Department, and the Lithuanian Armed Forces are examining the site. Defence officials said the military’s radar did not detect the object.

Last year, Lithuanian authorities reported two incursions by Russian-made Gerbera drones, one carrying explosives. Officials determined the drones were intended for Ukraine but were accidentally diverted into Lithuanian airspace due to electronic warfare measures used by Ukrainian forces.

Defence Minister Kaunas said the investigation will assess all circumstances and that findings will be shared publicly as soon as possible.