On 17 September 2026, two Russian military jets violated Lithuanian airspace. Italian Eurofighter jets from the Task Force Air 'Baltic Thunder III', part of NATO's eastern flank air defense mission, intercepted the Russian aircraft. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, speaking in Oslo after a meeting with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, described the Russian incursion as one of Vladimir Putin's frequent provocations aiming to escalate tensions and distract from setbacks on the ground in Ukraine. Meloni emphasized that Europe should not react provocatively but unify its voice on Ukraine through appointing an envoy. She underscored Europe's need to move beyond fragmented diplomatic formats and highlighted cooperation with Norway on security, technology, defense, energy (including the supply of 10% of Italy's gas by Norway), shipbuilding, and strategic autonomy. Meloni expressed caution regarding Ursula von der Leyen's proposal for a European security council, seeking clarity on differences from NATO's Article 4. Fratelli d'Italia MEP Nicola Procaccini opposed EU association with Canada over concerns it might undermine U.S. relations. The article includes Meloni's remarks on domestic energy policy and the Italian-Norwegian partnership. The incident is framed as part of Moscow's hybrid warfare and provocations against NATO allies.

On 17 September 2026, two Russian military jets violated Lithuanian airspace. Italian Eurofighter jets from the Task Force Air 'Baltic Thunder III', part of NATO's eastern flank air defense mission, intercepted the Russian aircraft. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, speaking in Oslo after a meeting with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, described the Russian incursion as one of Vladimir Putin's frequent provocations aiming to escalate tensions and distract from setbacks on the ground in Ukraine. Meloni emphasized that Europe should not react provocatively but unify its voice on Ukraine through appointing an envoy. She underscored Europe's need to move beyond fragmented diplomatic formats and highlighted cooperation with Norway on security, technology, defense, energy (including the supply of 10% of Italy's gas by Norway), shipbuilding, and strategic autonomy. Meloni expressed caution regarding Ursula von der Leyen's proposal for a European security council, seeking clarity on differences from NATO's Article 4. Fratelli d'Italia MEP Nicola Procaccini opposed EU association with Canada over concerns it might undermine U.S. relations. The article includes Meloni's remarks on domestic energy policy and the Italian-Norwegian partnership. The incident is framed as part of Moscow's hybrid warfare and provocations against NATO allies.