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Lithuanian PM outlines evacuation readiness as drone incursions escalate security threats; authorities bolster response and public safety measures.
Lithuania’s prime minister, Mindaugas Sinkevičius, told the BBC that the country has prepared evacuation plans in response to threats from neighbouring Russia and repeated drone entries into Lithuanian airspace, saying officials would fight back if attacked and that plans cover moving vulnerable citizens out of cities smoothly.
Sinkevičius said Lithuanians feel constantly threatened by incursions, citing recent drone activity that prompted NATO fighter jets to shoot down a drone that entered Lithuania’s airspace. He added that some contingency details are not being discussed publicly.
Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas told the BBC the drone that was shot down came from the direction of Belarus, while the UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting praised Lithuanian and Italian forces for protecting NATO airspace. Moscow did not comment on the incident.
The prime minister’s statements confirm that Lithuania is responding to concrete threats from drones entering its airspace and has developed plans for civilian evacuation and military response. NATO allies have been involved in intercepting incursions, and Lithuanian officials emphasize preparedness and joint defence actions.