Latvia, Lithuania warn of new drone threats in airspace

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   Latvia and Lithuania warn of drone threats near Belarus border

   Latvia and Lithuania withdrew airspace alerts on Wednesday after warning residents to shelter from unidentified drones entering from Russia or Belarus. Latvia’s army flagged possible threats over Smiltene and Gulbene municipalities and declared an orange air threat alert in Ludza Municipality. NATO fighter jets were scrambled. Lithuania’s crisis officials said the warning covered Kaunas, home to about 300,000 people. No injuries were reported. The incidents coincided with Ukrainian drone strikes on northwestern Russia, including a fire at the Ust-Luga port area that injured three people near Baltic Sea export facilities and an oil refinery.

   Why it matters

   The alerts reflect Baltic security concerns as Russia’s war in Ukraine continues, with drone activity increasingly reaching NATO’s eastern flank. Latvia’s defence minister later explained the military’s failure to shoot down a drone and apologised to residents, according to Baltic News Network. The region remains on edge over airspace violations and the potential for stray ordnance or surveillance drones from neighbouring states.

   What is confirmed

   • Latvia’s army warned of a possible threat in the airspace over Smiltene and Gulbene municipalities.
   • Latvia declared an orange air threat alert in Ludza Municipality.
   • NATO air defence fighter jets were activated in response to the alerts.
   • Lithuania’s crisis officials said the warning covered Kaunas, a city of about 300,000 people.
   • No injuries were reported from the drone alerts in Latvia and Lithuania.
   • Ukrainian drones struck northwestern Russia, setting fire to the Ust-Luga port area and injuring three people near Baltic Sea export facilities and an oil refinery.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Latvia’s defence minister explained the military’s failure to shoot down the drone and apologised to residents.

   What to watch next

   • Latvia’s defence ministry may release further details on why the drone was not shot down and what steps will prevent recurrence.
   Sources used for this update (14)

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   8. malaysia.news.yahoo.com — Latvia, Lithuania warn of threat in airspace near Belarus
   9. Reuters — Latvia, Lithuania warn of threat in airspace near Belarus
   10. The Sun — Nato fighter jets scrambled & locals warned to take shelter by emergency alerts
   11. Baltic News Network — Why did Latvia's military fail to shoot down the drone? Defence Minister explains failure and apologises to residents
   12. ua.news — Latvia declares orange air threat alert in Ludza Municipality — LSM English
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