News2025.10.28 12:14

No evidence Russian jets violated Lithuanian airspace intentionally – official

BNS 2025.10.28 12:14

Lithuanian authorities have no clear evidence that Russian fighter jets intentionally violated the country's airspace last week, President Gitanas Nausėda's chief national security advisor Deividas Matulionis said on Tuesday.

"Of course, one could say it was a deliberate test, but on the other hand, we have no clear evidence of that. The intrusion was very brief," Matulionis told Žinių Radijas.

"Still, I would not overstate the situation or claim it was definitely a test," he added.

Two Russian military aircraft, a SU-30 fighter and an IL-78 tanker, from the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad crossed about 700 metres into Lithuanian territory near Kybartai on the evening of October 23 and remained there for roughly 18 seconds.

According to the Lithuanian Armed Forces, the planes were likely conducting aerial refueling training.

The incident was condemned by Lithuanian leaders, and the Foreign Ministry lodged a strong protest with Russia.

NATO and EU partners were informed through diplomatic channels.

LRT has been certified according to the Journalism Trust Initiative Programme

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