Two Russian military aircraft entered Lithuania’s airspace for 18 seconds on Thursday, according to the country’s military. Officials identified the aircraft as an Su-30 fighter jet and an Il-78 refueling plane. They reportedly crossed into Lithuania from Russia’s Kaliningrad region around 1600 CET during a refueling exercise.
Spanish Eurofighter Typhoon jets from NATO’s Baltic Air Police immediately scrambled to patrol the area. Lithuania’s President Gitanas Nausėda denounced the incursion on X, calling it a “blatant breach of international law and territorial integrity.”
In a video statement, Nausėda said he “strongly condemns the violation” and demanded a response. Moscow has not yet commented on the incident.
NATO Warns Russia Over Growing Airspace Incursions
NATO and the European Union remain on alert after multiple recent airspace violations attributed to Russia. NATO warned Moscow in late September that it would defend its airspace by all available means. The warning followed the downing of Russian drones over Poland and reports of Russian fighter jets entering Estonian territory.
Poland experienced its first direct encounter with Russian forces on 10 September, marking a tense moment since Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Estonia later reported that three Russian MiG-31 jets entered its airspace for 12 minutes, an accusation the Kremlin denied.
European leaders expressed alarm, questioning NATO’s readiness against Russia’s escalating provocations. NATO reaffirmed that it would use all lawful military and non-military tools to defend every ally.
Europe Reacts to Drone Sightings and Airspace Breaches
After the Polish incident, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte launched the Eastern Sentry program to deter further Russian incursions and reinforce support for Poland. Rutte said drone violations are “unacceptable” and stressed the alliance’s unity in countering aggression.
Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said Russian involvement could not be excluded after Copenhagen airport closed for several hours on 23 September due to drone sightings. She said the situation reflected the growing threats Europe must confront. The Kremlin dismissed the claims as “unfounded.”
Norway also closed Oslo airport on 22 September following reports of drones. The Norwegian government said Russia allegedly breached its airspace three times in 2025. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said that regardless of intent, such violations remain “completely unacceptable.”
