NATO Jets Shoot Down Explosive Drone Over Lithuania

NATO fighter jets shot down a drone over Lithuania on Tuesday, marking the first time an aircraft has been intercepted in the country's airspace. The drone, which likely entered from Belarus, fell near the village of Pratkūnai in the Kaisiadorys district and was found to be carrying an explosive device.

Simultaneously, the Government of Denmark accused a Russian frigate of firing two emergency flares at a Danish Fennec helicopter conducting routine photographic surveillance in international waters off Gedser in the Baltic Sea. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called the action "reckless," and Denmark summoned the Russian ambassador in response. Russian Ambassador Vladimir Barbin denied wrongdoing, claiming the helicopter performed "provocative actions" and "dangerous maneuvers."

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen characterized these events as part of a broader pattern of Russian aggression intended to sow fear and test the alliance's resolve. Rutte pledged to strengthen defenses along the alliance's eastern flank and stated that such incidents would lead to increased support for Ukraine.