Lithuania calls drone incidents a “new reality” as three Baltic states report crashes

Drone crashes in Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia this week mark a “new reality” for the region, Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys told LRT Radio on Tuesday, as officials confirm a Ukrainian drone downed in Lithuania and warn of broader air defence challenges across NATO.

Speaking about the drone found in Varėna district, Budrys acknowledged that Baltic states are not fully protected from such incidents and must strengthen their air defence capabilities. “This is a new reality for the countries of the region. We are not completely shielded from such incidents and need to boost our air defence capacity. But we must also understand that the risks are high when a military conflict is unfolding so close and long-range weapons are being used,” he said.

Budrys confirmed the drone was Ukrainian and said Lithuania is already in discussions with Kyiv about potential future incidents. “This is truly one of the topics we are addressing now. It is a very sensitive and important area for us. All states must ensure airspace security and inform others if they identify any risks—Belarus included,” he added.

Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas echoed the concerns, stating that Russia’s war in Ukraine has brought NATO to a point where drones have crashed in all three Baltic states within 48 hours. “The aggressor Russia’s provoked war has led us to this moment, where drones have fallen on the territories of three Baltic countries in two days. It’s clear that air defence is a challenge not just for Lithuania, but for all of NATO,” Kaunas said in a statement to journalists.

The incidents began early Tuesday when a drone from Russia struck the chimney of Auvere power plant in northeastern Estonia, Estonian World reported, coinciding with Ukraine’s overnight drone attack on Russia’s Ust-Luga port in Leningrad region. Hours later, Latvia reported a drone from Russian territory exploding in its airspace, while Lithuania confirmed a suspected drone crash in Varėna district on Monday night. Military officials later clarified that radar systems had not detected the object, and while no explosives were found at the scene, their presence could not be ruled out.

Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė confirmed on Tuesday that the drone in Lithuania was Ukrainian. Police completed their inspection of the crash site that evening, collecting debris for further analysis.