Kasčiūnas says government failed to prioritise air defence

Opposition Conservative leader Laurynas Kasčiūnas criticised the government over its response to overnight incidents involving drones and smuggling balloons, saying air defence had not become a priority. LRT reported his remarks.

Kasčiūnas described the night as chaotic. Smuggling balloons led to the closure of Vilnius and Kaunas international airports, a possible air threat was later announced in Vilnius and Utena counties because of drones, and fragments of a missile fired from a NATO fighter were found near Biržai.

He said residents had not been adequately informed and accused the defence and interior ministers of failing to respond effectively. Kasčiūnas said Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas and the government had not made air defence a priority, while Interior Minister Martynas Katelynas had failed to create a unified “iron fist” against smuggling despite law enforcement agencies’ recommendations.

During the night, possible air threats were announced across municipalities in southern, central and northern Lithuania. Red warnings went to residents of Panevėžys, Pasvalys and Biržai districts and Panevėžys city. Yellow warnings were issued in Radviliškis, Ukmergė, Anykščiai, Kupiškis and Pakruojis districts. A possible air threat was also announced in Kėdainiai district, Kaunas city and district, Prienai district, Marijampolė County, and Druskininkai and Lazdijai districts in Alytus County. Residents were instructed to go to shelters or other safe places.