Lithuania says drone that crashed in country was Ukrainian

Lithuanian Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas has confirmed that the drone which crashed and was found in the Utena District on the evening of 17 May belonged to Ukraine.

Source: Lithuanian public broadcaster LRT, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Kaunas said on 21 May that the drone that entered Lithuanian airspace had strayed off course. It was later established by officers from the Aras counter-terrorism unit that explosive substances were present at the site where the drone was found.

Quote: "Yes, it was a Ukrainian drone that had gone off course. The investigation is ongoing."

Background:

• On 20 May, an air-raid warning was issued in several eastern districts of Lithuania and in Vilnius because of a suspected drone entering Lithuanian airspace, significantly disrupting normal life. The country's top leadership was among those who took shelter.
• Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė said after a meeting of the National Security Commission that municipalities will now be required to ensure that shelters remain accessible around the clock.
• Lithuania's Ministry of National Defence has published detailed guidance for citizens explaining the different threat levels they may see in air-raid warnings.
• As of the morning of 21 May, the search for the drone was still ongoing. Kaunas also called on European countries to adapt to incidents involving stray drones.

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