Kaliningrad Region, Russia. Photo: Shutterstock Tensions between Europe and Russia are rising to another level.
On Thursday evening (October 23), a Russian Air Force fighter jet and a transport plane violated Lithuanian airspace from the Kaliningrad region, a Russian-controlled region located between Lithuania and Poland. Although the intrusion lasted only about 20 seconds, it provoked a strong response from Lithuania.
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda strongly condemned the incident, stressing that it was a "blatant violation of international law and Lithuania's territorial sovereignty" to which they "must respond".
"The incident is a reminder of the importance of strengthening air defense in Europe.", the President added.
At the same time, the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry announced that it would summon the Russian ambassador to the country for an official protest over "dangerous and irresponsible behavior."
Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene said the situation was under full control of security forces as two Spanish fighter jets operating as part of a NATO air policing mission were immediately dispatched to the area and continued their air patrol.
The Prime Minister emphasized that this is further proof that Russia is acting as an aggressive state that does not respect international law, and clarified that Lithuania is determined to defend itself and that the incident will not affect the country's stability and security.
"Lithuania will remain strong, united, and ready to defend itself. Thank you to our forces, allie,s and everyone who protects the country's borders every day. Together with our partners, we monitor and protect every inch of Lithuania's territory."
A series of similar airspace breaches involving suspicious drones has sparked controversy in Europe in recent weeks, with Germany, Norway, Poland, Latvia, Estonia, and Denmark among the countries affected.