Russian Military Aircraft Violates Lithuanian Airspace
The Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported the intrusion lasted 18 seconds in the Kibartai area. Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda condemned the action as a violation of international law.
EUROPE — On October 23, two Russian military aircraft, a Su-30 fighter and an Il-78 tanker, violated Lithuanian airspace near the Kaliningrad exclave. The Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported the intrusion lasted 18 seconds in the Kibartai area.
NATO Baltic Air Policing assets, including Spanish Eurofighter Typhoon jets, scrambled in response. Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda condemned the action as a violation of international law.
The Lithuanian Armed Forces have reported no communication with the Russian crew.
The incident occurred at approximately 6:00 p.m. local time. Lithuanian authorities summoned the Russian charge d’affaires to protest the incursion formally. This event aligns with recurring Russian aviation activities near NATO’s eastern flank, observed in recent months.
No further incursions were reported immediately following the event. The incident underscores ongoing challenges to Baltic airspace sovereignty.
Lithuanian defense officials stressed the need for enhanced air defense readiness. The event prompted NATO allies to discuss strengthening response protocols.
Parliamentarian Dovilė Šakalienė emphasized collaborative efforts to counter such violations. No official Russian statement was issued, as verified by searches up to October 23 (24 local time). Regional security partners continue vigilant monitoring to address potential threats.
Incident Details
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