Lithuania investigates suspected drone incursion near Belarusian border

Lithuania’s national security adviser says the country was most likely overflown by a Shahed-type drone in the early hours of Monday, but confirmation remains pending.

Deividas Matulionis, chief national-security adviser to the president, told public broadcaster LRT Radijas on Tuesday that the object that crashed near Lake Lavysas in Varėna district early Monday “was most likely a Shahed, possibly another type.”

Matulionis cautioned that investigators cannot yet determine the drone’s origin, route or intended target. “Neither Russia nor Ukraine can be ruled out—both sides operate various drone models,” he said. “We cannot state clearly where it came from, where it was headed or where it was launched.”

BNS news agency reported that the suspected drone entered Lithuanian airspace from the direction of Belarus and crashed on the lake’s shore without endangering civilians. Witnesses described hearing an explosion, and video posted online shows debris and an internal combustion engine.

Investigators are examining whether the incursion was accidental—caused by loss of control—or a deliberate provocation. “I would not dare call it a provocation from Belarus, but we cannot exclude that possibility,” Matulionis said. He added that Belarus did not notify Lithuania about the approaching object.

The adviser said Vilnius plans to inform NATO allies on Tuesday about the incident, although he stressed that Lithuania already has procedures in place and does not expect to request additional assistance. “We are on the right track,” he said. “Funding is allocated, and we are gradually strengthening air defences—not only at high altitude but also at low level.”

Lithuanian military radar did not detect the object, which Matulionis attributed to its low-altitude flight. “We have long identified low-level flight as our Achilles’ heel,” he said.

In 2025, Lithuania recorded two incursions by Russian Geran drones, one reportedly carrying explosives. Authorities determined those drones were targeting Ukraine but veered off course after electronic countermeasures disrupted their navigation.

Investigators continue to search the crash site for additional debris.