Wreckage of Military Drone Found in Eastern Lithuania; Ukrainian Origin Suspected

Another unsettling incident has occurred within NATO territory, as the remnants of a military drone were discovered in eastern Lithuania. Initial assessments by Lithuanian authorities suggest the drone likely originated from Ukraine. In response to the discovery, local services have promptly implemented safety protocols, mindful of the potential explosive threat posed by the wreckage.

This event marks yet another in a series of similar occurrences reported in the Baltic region in recent months. The drone was found on Sunday in the Utena district, approximately 40 kilometers from the Latvian border and 55 kilometers from the Belarusian border. Residents alerted authorities after spotting the debris in a field. The Lithuanian National Crisis Management Center (NKVC) confirmed that the 'Skydas' procedure, typically used for potential explosive threats, was activated.

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Based on preliminary information, what we see in the wreckage, and the materials provided by colleagues, it can be assumed that this is a Ukrainian drone.

Vilmantas Vitkauskas, head of the NKVC, stated that preliminary findings point to the drone being Ukrainian. He noted that there is currently no indication the drone exploded or was armed with explosives. However, the exact moment the drone entered Lithuanian airspace and when it crashed remains undetermined, as it was not detected upon entry. This recurring pattern of drone incidents in the Baltic states, often involving Ukrainian drones that may have been disrupted by Russian electronic warfare systems, raises significant security concerns for NATO members in the region.

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We are using all technical means, air support, including helicopters, drones, search dogs.