Lithuanian prime minister calls emergency security meeting after suspected drone crash

The Lithuanian prime minister has convened an urgent meeting of the National Security Committee (NSK) following the crash of a suspected military drone in the country’s northeast, state broadcaster LRT reports.

Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė announced the Wednesday session in a Facebook post, stating it would review the incident in Utena district, assess collected intelligence, and determine further action. “Recent events show that drones and airspace violations are becoming an increasingly frequent security challenge not only for Lithuania but for the entire region,” she wrote.

Ruginienė emphasised that Lithuania is strengthening its airspace monitoring, response capabilities, and civilian safety measures in coordination with national institutions and NATO allies. She linked the rising incidents directly to “Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine, which continues to impact regional security.” While no immediate threat to residents has been identified, authorities are actively monitoring the situation.

The suspected drone crashed Sunday near Samanė village in Utena district. Local residents reported the downed aircraft to authorities around 7 PM. Investigators believe it to be a Ukrainian drone, likely unarmed. Russia has repeatedly accused Baltic states of allowing their territory to be used for Ukrainian military operations, claims the governments deny.

Earlier updates confirmed that explosive materials from the drone had been removed, allowing evacuated residents to return home. Authorities described the drone as dissimilar to Russia’s Shahed models, with one official stating it was discovered by a local resident mowing grass.