Inga Ruginiene, a representative of the Social Democratic Party (LSDP), was approved by the Lithuanian Seimas on August 26 for the position of prime minister. Facebook / Inga Ruginiene
As reported by the Lithuanian publication LRT
Lithuania said it could shoot down Russian aircraft in its own airspace only in extreme cases. This position was voiced by Inga Ruginene after the incident with Russian planes that lingered in Lithuanian airspace for more than ten seconds. According to the prime minister, the relevant services demonstrated the ability to make decisions “here and now”.
“The incident that occurred demonstrated our readiness. NATO fighter jets were scrambled on the very same second, patrolling and monitoring the airspace, not only ensuring safety but also sending a signal that we will not tolerate such actions”
– Inga Ruginene
The prime minister added that the deployment of the fighters was planned to assess the situation, and if needed Lithuania is ready to use force against violators in its own airspace.
“We need to understand what the consequences would be if we open fire. Of course, we are ready to do this in extreme cases, but for now we have stabilized the situation this way”
– Inga Ruginene
Moreover, Ruginene noted that defense preparedness in European countries is progressing at a good pace, and Lithuania is taking a leading position in this process. “I have already received positive signals from the United States regarding our serious and responsible approach to defense. Our neighbors are trying not to fall behind us. We are sending the adversary sufficiently clear signals” – added the prime minister.
“I have already received positive signals from the United States regarding our serious and responsible approach to defense. Our neighbors are trying not to fall behind us. We are sending the adversary sufficiently clear signals”
– Inga Ruginene
Following the recent incident, Russian aircraft from the Kaliningrad region again took to the air near Lithuania’s borders. The aircraft – Su-30 and Il-78 – were observed at a close distance to Lithuanian airspace; one of them was apparently conducting a refueling exercise, the other was refueling. It is known that the aircraft penetrated about 700 meters into Lithuania’s airspace and remained there for about 18 seconds. After the incident, the temporary chargé d’affaires of the Russian Federation’s embassy in Lithuania was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to hand over a protest note and express a firm protest regarding the violation of airspace.
Context of the Incident
This incident underscored Lithuania’s firm stance on safeguarding its airspace and readiness to respond appropriately to violations. At the same time, the government reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a close dialogue with allies and partner countries in the context of regional security.
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