Lithuanian PM highlights NATO’s role in Baltic security after drone incidents

Recent drone incidents in the Baltic states underscore the importance of a strong NATO presence in the alliance’s eastern flank, Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė said Tuesday in Tallinn.

Speaking at a press conference following a meeting of the Nordic-Baltic Eight (NB8) prime ministers and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Ruginienė stressed that “recent drone incidents highlight the need for a robust NATO presence and reliable deterrence across the entire eastern flank.”

The Baltic region has seen a rise in airspace violations, with Lithuania declaring air alerts twice in late May due to potential drone threats. On Monday, Latvian airspace was breached by a drone later shot down by French fighter jets on a NATO air policing mission from Šiauliai, Lithuania.

Zelensky pledged cooperation with Nordic and Baltic nations to neutralise drones that, due to Russian interference, veer off course and enter countries bordering Russia. The agreement includes sharing expertise, training specialists, and collaborating on security measures. Ukraine, he noted, already works with European partners and is ready to dispatch experts immediately.

“Ukraine has unique experience, and we must learn from it. Ukrainian expertise under the most difficult conditions is something we can apply in our own countries,” Ruginienė said.

The NB8 summit focused on regional security, defence, economic competitiveness, and the opportunities presented by artificial intelligence. Ruginienė emphasised that the Nordic-Baltic region is strongest when acting in unison.

“Closer NB8 cooperation is essential if we want to ensure European resilience, competitiveness, and the ability to effectively respond to today’s challenges and crises,” she said. “Many challenges cannot be successfully addressed by individual countries—we know this well. In areas such as security, economic competitiveness, critical infrastructure, and hybrid threats, a coordinated regional approach makes us stronger.”

She added that while NB8 countries are among Ukraine’s strongest supporters, they must also encourage broader allied involvement. “We must continue to communicate with partners and explain why sustained political, military, financial, and humanitarian support for Ukraine remains vital to our shared security.”

The NB8 format includes Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Iceland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia.