drones enter lithuanian airspace amid war in ukraine

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda has stated that a drone that crashed in Varėna district is a consequence of Russia’s war in Ukraine and warned that similar incidents may recur while the conflict continues.

An early Monday morning incident saw a drone cross into Lithuanian airspace from Belarus, crash into Lake Lavysas and explode. Military radar did not detect the object as it entered the country. This is not the first time foreign drones have entered Lithuania.

Defence Minister Arnoldas Abramavičius suggested the drone was likely Ukrainian and may have strayed due to electronic warfare interference. Nausėda noted that neighbouring countries also face the same issue: “Unfortunately, drones—whether Russian or Ukrainian in origin—deviate from their intended course and pose threats to neighbouring states.”

Nausėda emphasised the need to strengthen drone detection capabilities, particularly for low-altitude flights under 300 metres. “Our weakest point remains the detection of drones flying at low altitudes,” he said. He added that while Lithuania has defence plans, procurement and production timelines limit immediate implementation.

“There is no shelf of anti-drone devices ready to be purchased all at once,” Nausėda said. “Supply and production schedules are clearly defined.”

On Tuesday, Nausėda held a second meeting on foreign policy and security, attended by parliamentary leaders and committee chairs. Earlier, he met with the commander of the Lithuanian Armed Forces and heads of operational services.

Lithuania will assume the rotating presidency of the EU Council in the first half of 2027 and has identified EU enlargement as a key priority. Recent discussions among officials have also focused on relations with China, the renaming of the Taiwanese representative office and considerations regarding ties with Belarus.