Nauseda says Baltics must accelerate drone detection amid airspace violations

PADVARIONYS - As drones increasingly enter the airspace of Baltic states bordering Russia, President Gitanas Nauseda said on Friday the region must quickly build detection systems due to unfinished "homework."

The head of state emphasised that airspace is a "sacred matter" due to potential risks to human life, and violations cannot be tolerated.

Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, several Russian and Ukrainian drones have crashed in Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia.

"We have weak spots, we have unfinished homework that we must complete as quickly as possible, because usually the weakest points are attacked to achieve certain strategic or tactical results," Nauseda told reporters during a visit to the Padvarionys border checkpoint.

"Airspace violations in the Baltic states, Finland, and Poland have become a common occurrence. This is not good. Therefore, we must race against time to create a detection system as quickly as possible, and we will undoubtedly do so," he said.

The president also highlighted the need for an integrated regional air defence system, noting that European Union drone defence initiatives would contribute to its development.

Last night, residents in Latvia's eastern border regions received warnings of potential airspace threats, although the country's military did not detect any drones.

Earlier, Nauseda warned that "warring nations in Europe" should not use Lithuanian airspace for drone operations.

Russia has accused the Baltic states of allowing Ukrainian drones to fly through their territory, while NATO officials suggest some incidents may be linked to Russian electronic warfare measures diverting drones off course.