Two Russian military aircraft violated Lithuanian airspace on Thursday afternoon, entering for just 18 seconds before leaving.
The incident occurred near the border with the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad, raising concerns over European airspace security.
The aircraft involved were a Su-30 fighter jet and an Il-78 refueling plane, which reportedly penetrated approximately 700 meters into Lithuanian airspace. Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda described the incursion as a blatant violation of international law and the country’s territorial integrity.
“This incident once again underscores the importance of strengthening European air defense readiness,” Nausėda said. He added that Lithuania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs would summon representatives of the Russian embassy to formally protest the “reckless and dangerous behavior.”
In response, two Spanish Eurofighter jets patrolling from Poland were scrambled to intercept the Russian aircraft. The planes successfully responded to the potential threat, and no further escalation was reported.
This episode comes amid ongoing tensions between NATO and Russia in the Baltic region, highlighting the need for vigilance and coordination among alliance members to safeguard European skies.
