Drones over Lithuania prompt national security review

Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė has called on the public to report any suspicious objects immediately, following an incident in Varėna district where a drone crashed into a lake.

Ruginienė convened an emergency meeting of the National Security Commission on Monday to assess the response of Lithuanian agencies to the event. Initial findings suggest the drone may have been of Ukrainian origin, possibly lost due to Russian electronic warfare interference.

“I want to thank the public for their vigilance and quick reporting,” Ruginienė said after the meeting. “If you notice anything suspicious or see an unusual object, please contact emergency services without delay.”

Government response and military assessment

Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas said the drone was likely intended to target the Primorsk oil depot in western Russia, which was attacked overnight. He reiterated calls for an end to the war in Ukraine, stating that President Vladimir Putin could halt the conflict immediately if he chose to do so.

Kaunas also highlighted the need for additional radar systems to detect low-flying objects, noting that Lithuania has ordered but not yet received the necessary equipment.

Local residents reported hearing a loud buzzing sound around 3:00 a.m. on Monday, followed by an explosion. Emergency services were alerted midday Monday after a hole and metal debris were discovered in Lake Lavysas.

Ongoing investigation

Lithuanian authorities are collecting debris from the site, including what appears to be an internal combustion engine. The drone’s flight path remains under investigation, with experts questioning whether its origin and trajectory can be conclusively traced.