Russia Breaches NATO Airspace in Lithuania as Putin Warns on Missiles

Russia has once again violated NATO airspace, specifically intruding into Lithuanian territory, as announced by President Gitanas Nausėda. He characterized the incident as a serious breach of international law and emphasized the necessity of enhancing European air defense readiness.

Details of the Airspace Breach

On Thursday, the Lithuanian Ministry of Defense reported that two Russian military aircraft, an Su-30 fighter jet and an IL-78 refueling aircraft, briefly entered Lithuania’s airspace around 6 p.m. local time. The incursion lasted approximately 18 seconds.

A government source suggested the flight may have been part of a refueling exercise. NATO’s quick response included the dispatch of two Spanish fighter jets, which are stationed as part of NATO’s air police mission in the region.

NATO’s Response

• NATO officials affirmed that this incident showcases the alliance’s readiness to respond to airspace violations.
• Russian diplomats in Vilnius have been summoned to discuss the matter with Lithuanian foreign ministry officials.

Broader Implications and Regional Security Measures

This incident follows Lithuania’s recent authorization for its military to shoot down unauthorized unmanned aerial vehicles after multiple Russian drones were found crashing on its territory. Additionally, last month, Russian aircraft violated Estonian airspace near the capital, Tallinn, for 12 minutes.

Putin’s Warning and Global Tensions

Amid these escalating airspace violations, Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a stern warning about potential repercussions if Russia were to be attacked with Western long-range missiles. He described the response to such an incident as “very serious, if not overwhelming.”

Putin’s warning follows a request from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for long-range Tomahawk missiles from the U.S., a request that has seen mixed responses from American officials.

Conclusion

As Russian aircraft continue to test NATO’s boundaries, the alliance remains vigilant. With ongoing discussions regarding military aid and regional security in the context of rising tensions, the situation demands close observation and proactive measures.