NATO downs drone over Lithuania, ‘probably’ launched by Russia

A NATO warplane intercepted and destroyed a drone over southern Lithuania in the early hours of Tuesday, officials say. The engagement occurred shortly after midnight, when the unmanned aircraft was engaged and shot down by the NATO fighter.

Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto commented on the episode, saying the drone "probably originated from Russia." His statement is the clearest attribution reported so far, though NATO itself has not been quoted here assigning responsibility.

The downing of the drone underscores the use of allied military assets to address aerial threats observed near Lithuanian airspace. With a senior defence official linking the object to Russia, the episode is likely to draw attention from governments and defence planners monitoring regional security dynamics.

Further details about the drone's flight path, wreckage, potential damage on the ground, or any formal attribution by NATO or other states were not provided in the reporting excerpt.

The situation remains subject to official investigation and public statements from the actors involved as authorities seek to clarify the origin and intent of the unmanned aircraft.