Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda announced that Lithuania is prepared to shoot down any aircraft that violates its airspace, regardless of the cost of expensive missiles, emphasizing that human lives and public health are top priorities. This declaration follows multiple drone incursions into Lithuanian airspace last week, with air raid alerts issued in response, though no drones have been shot down to date. Lithuania aims to ensure its air defense and detection systems cover various altitudes and conditions, with equipment being intensively tested. The statement followed a meeting of the State Defence Council and a trilateral meeting with the presidents of Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Von der Leyen expressed the EU's determination to accelerate initiatives like the EU’s Drone Wall and Eastern Flank Watch to counter similar incidents. NATO plans for the Baltic region remain unsettled, pending U.S. troop deployment decisions. Approximately 1,000 U.S. troops are currently stationed in Lithuania.

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda announced that Lithuania is prepared to shoot down any aircraft that violates its airspace, regardless of the cost of expensive missiles, emphasizing that human lives and public health are top priorities. This declaration follows multiple drone incursions into Lithuanian airspace last week, with air raid alerts issued in response, though no drones have been shot down to date. Lithuania aims to ensure its air defense and detection systems cover various altitudes and conditions, with equipment being intensively tested. The statement followed a meeting of the State Defence Council and a trilateral meeting with the presidents of Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Von der Leyen expressed the EU's determination to accelerate initiatives like the EU’s Drone Wall and Eastern Flank Watch to counter similar incidents. NATO plans for the Baltic region remain unsettled, pending U.S. troop deployment decisions. Approximately 1,000 U.S. troops are currently stationed in Lithuania.