Lithuania accuses Russia and Belarus of spreading disinformation about Baltic airspace use

Lithuania’s military has dismissed claims by Russian and Belarusian officials that Baltic states have permitted Ukraine to use their airspace for drone attacks on Russia, calling the allegations a coordinated disinformation campaign, state broadcaster LRT reports.

The Strategic Communications Department of the Lithuanian Armed Forces stated on Monday that recent statements from Moscow and Minsk are part of an “active information operation” targeting Lithuania and its allies. Analysts warn the campaign employs a familiar tactic—sowing fear by suggesting Russia is prepared to strike targets over Baltic airspace or even attack Baltic territory.

“Such threats aim to escalate emotional tension and intimidate by implying Russia is ready to shoot down targets in Baltic airspace or launch strikes on these countries,” the military’s statement said. It noted that ultimatums, red-line rhetoric, and threats of kinetic force are “well-known propaganda methods” repeatedly used since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The goal, according to Lithuanian officials, is to undermine public resolve for self-defence, reduce support for strengthening national defence, and weaken backing for Ukraine.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova claimed on Monday that Moscow had issued a “warning” to Baltic states for allegedly allowing Ukrainian drones to transit their airspace for strikes on Russian soil. “These regimes have been given a corresponding warning. If they have any sense, they will heed it. If not, they will face a response,” she told the Interfax news agency, echoing similar remarks made days earlier by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.

The narrative gained traction in Russian media and social networks after Ukrainian drones, reportedly veering off course due to Russian electronic warfare, entered Baltic airspace in late March. One drone crashed in Lithuania’s Varėna district on March 23. Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry later apologised for the incident, attributing it to Russian jamming systems.

Latvia has accused Russia of launching a disinformation campaign over the issue and lodged a protest with Moscow, while Estonia has outright denied Russian allegations of granting Ukraine airspace access.