Possible air alert lifted in Vilnius region and Ukmergė

LRT reported that a possible air alert in Vilnius County and Ukmergė was lifted at 10:37 on Saturday. Fighter jets had been scrambled earlier as authorities investigated an unidentified flying object, and airspace controlled by Vilnius Airport was temporarily closed.

The National Crisis Management Centre said the object entered Lithuania from Belarus. Its head, Vilmantas Vitkauskas, told LRT Radio that it had not been fully identified. He said its characteristics were similar to those of a drone, but that a flock of birds could not be ruled out.

Vitkauskas said residents had reported seeing a possible object beyond Vilnius, moving towards Jonava, but officials could not confirm those accounts. Earlier, he said an alert might also be declared in Kaunas District.

Ukmergė Mayor Darius Varnas said the municipality was in contact with the crisis centre and urged residents to follow updates and be prepared. The head of the Fire and Rescue Department, Renatas Požėla, said authorities were checking reports of a possible drone sound or sighting from Kaišiadorys, Molėtai and Vilnius District. He warned people not to approach suspicious objects and said footage taken from a safe distance could help.

Authorities advise people who hear the civil protection “Air alert” signal to seek a marked shelter or another safe place, such as a basement or an interior room without windows. People should stay away from windows, balconies and open spaces.