Key facts
- Lithuanian intelligence officials suspect Russia may use captured Ukrainian drones for provocations.
- The potential provocations are intended to weaken NATO's support for Ukraine.
- Lithuania's president had previously indicated intelligence about planned Russian attacks on infrastructure.
- Russia has denied these allegations, calling them 'scare stories'.
- Military drones originating from Ukraine have previously entered Baltic airspace.
Lithuanian intelligence officials believe Russia is considering using captured Ukrainian-made drones to stage provocations against the Baltic region, according to Defense Minister Robertas Kaunas. He stated that such actions would constitute a 'false flag operation' aimed at making NATO waver and decrease its support for Ukraine.
Leaders from Poland and the three Baltic states—Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania—have previously warned that Russia might be planning attacks or sabotage against their countries. These nations, all members of NATO and bordering Russia, are staunch supporters of Kyiv and accuse Moscow of using escalatory rhetoric to intimidate them. Lithuania's President Gitanas Nauseda had indicated in July that intelligence suggested Russia was planning attacks on infrastructure, prompting tightened security measures around energy and transport sites.