Lithuania: Drone incidents part of systematic threat from Russia, Belarus

Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis has underscored the escalating threat posed by drone incursions into Baltic airspace, characterizing them not as isolated events but as part of a deliberate strategy by Russia and Belarus. Speaking at a security forum in Gdynia, Poland, where he also observed hybrid threat exercises, Landsbergis stated that Russia and Belarus bear responsibility for these actions, which endanger civilians.

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Russia and Belarus are responsible for situations where drones enter our airspace and pose a danger to civilians.

Landsbergis noted that the Baltic Sea region, accustomed to hybrid threats and Russian disinformation campaigns, has developed significant resilience. Lithuania, he emphasized, is consistently strengthening its air defense capabilities and prioritizing investments in these systems. The minister also revealed that Lithuania has appealed to its allies and partners to explicitly identify Russia and Belarus as responsible for the drone incidents, to collectively counter Russian disinformation, and to bolster NATO's "Eastern Sentry" and "Baltic Sentry" measures.

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The Baltic Sea region, which constantly faces hybrid threats and Russian disinformation attacks, has developed vigilance and is one of the most resilient in Europe.

Furthermore, Lithuania advocates for a shift from air policing to a dedicated air defense mission and the integration of anti-drone systems. Landsbergis also called for urgent reinforcement of key EU initiatives like "Eastern Flank Watch" and CEF to better safeguard critical infrastructure. The discussion also encompassed continued support for Ukraine, with Landsbergis asserting that a strong, EU-integrated Ukraine is a strategic security interest for Europe, and Lithuania remains its most active proponent for immediate accession talks and support through instruments like the "Ukraine Facility."

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Ukraine's membership in the EU is not just a gesture of solidarity – it is a strategic European security interest that must be implemented by 2030.