Lithuania’s Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys during a joint press conference with Ukraine’s head of diplomacy Andriy Sibiga in Kyiv, Ukraine, on April 1, 2025. Getty Images/Vitalii Nosach/Global Images Ukraine
As Reuters reports
Lithuania’s Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys warned that incursions of Russian drones into the airspace of NATO member countries create a risk of escalation and potential involvement of the Alliance in the use of military means. He said this in an interview with Reuters.
The incident occurred after Poland shot down several Russian drones that violated its airspace during Russia’s massive attack on the western regions of Ukraine. This was the first time during the war that a NATO country used weapons in response. Warsaw dubbed the event an act of aggression.
Drones Context and NATO’s Response
“No one here is safe – neither in the region, nor in Europe, nor within the Alliance, as these incidents are very close to situations where things could escalate”
– Kestutis Budrys, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania
Budrys noted that Lithuania currently has no confirmation that the Polish airspace was deliberately violated by these Russian drones. Still, he stressed that the responsibility for preventing such incidents lies with Russia.
“NATO must send Russia a clear signal: this could lead to escalation. And in the interests of all, including Russia, this should be avoided”
– Kestutis Budrys, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania
In addition, the Lithuanian Foreign Minister urged strengthening the air defense system in the Baltic states and Poland to better deter potential threats from Russia and its allies. He also emphasized the importance of close consultations with allies on modernizing defense structures and coordinated actions within NATO to enhance the region’s security.
In conclusion, in light of the latest events, Lithuania calls for active steps by NATO and regional partners to strengthen air defense and coordinate responses to new challenges linked to the use of Russia’s air platforms and missile capabilities.
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