Lithuanian Prime Minister Convenes National Security Commission Meeting Following Drone Crash
On May 18, Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė called a meeting of the National Security Commission in connection with an incident involving a drone crash on Lithuanian territory. The meeting is expected to examine the circumstances of the incident and potential risks to national security.
Ruginienė’s decision followed an incident on the evening of May 17, when a crashed drone was found in a field in the village of Samanė in the Utena district. Lithuanian authorities currently suspect that the drone may have been Ukrainian.
“On Wednesday, I am convening a meeting of the National Security Commission to discuss the situation regarding the unmanned aerial vehicle that crashed in the Utena district, the information gathered by the authorities, and further actions,” she said.
According to Ruginiene, events in recent years show that drones and various incidents of airspace violations “are becoming an increasingly frequent security problem not only in Lithuania but throughout the region.”
She emphasized that this is precisely why capabilities for airspace surveillance, response, and public safety are being consistently strengthened in cooperation with Lithuanian authorities and NATO allies.
“We must clearly understand the cause of these incidents—it is the war against Ukraine, which Russia started and continues to wage, directly affecting the security situation in the region. As long as Russia continues its aggression, such risks will remain relevant,” she noted.
The Lithuanian Prime Minister assured that there is currently no data indicating a direct threat to the population.
Earlier, a Ukrainian drone was discovered in Lithuania
The drone found in Lithuania was equipped with explosives - LRT
Prior to this, Lithuania denied claims that its airspace was being used to strike Russia
The Lithuanian Ministry of Defense officially announced the purchase of new-generation Giraffe 1X radar stations from the Saab defense group.
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda signed a law establishing a new military training ground in the Suvalkai Corridor and expanding another training site near the border with Russia. The decision is explained as a means of strengthening the country’s defense capabilities and contributing to NATO’s collective security.
