Lithuania rejects Belarus’ claim of drone incursion as 'fake news'

Belarus officially alleged on December 1 that a drone launched from Lithuania’s Lazdijai District entered Belarusian airspace and fell near Grodno city on November 30. Minsk lodged a formal protest demanding information on the drone’s purpose and operator and requested a thorough investigation. Lithuanian Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas dismissed the claim as "fake news" and stated Lithuania had no record of any such incursion. The event exacerbates already tense relations marked by Belarusian smuggling-related disruptions at Lithuanian airports and reciprocal actions over border crossing restrictions and truck blockades. Lithuanian officials described Belarusian accusations as repeated fabrications targeting Western countries and Lithuania.