Lithuania's leadership condemned the violation of airspace by Russian planes 0 14

"We condemn Russia's actions and the intrusion of military aircraft into our airspace. We see that such incidents have only increased recently, not only in Lithuania," said Nauseda in a video comment prepared by the president's office.

"I have no doubt that our Ministry of Foreign Affairs should summon representatives of the Russian embassy and deliver a note of protest in the near future," noted the Lithuanian leader.

Meanwhile, Ruginiene assured that the situation is fully under control.

"Our services acted clearly: two Spanish Air Force fighters, performing a NATO air policing mission, took to the air, flew to the site of the violation, and are currently continuing their patrol. This is yet another example of the successful and coordinated work of our services," the Prime Minister wrote on Facebook.

"This incident once again shows that Russia behaves like a terrorist state, ignoring international law and the security of neighboring countries. However, such actions will not affect us - Lithuania remains strong, united, and ready for defense," said Ruginiene.

For his part, Nauseda called the incident a gross violation of international law and Lithuania's airspace, which cannot go unanswered.

"And at the same time, it very well reflects the importance of the issues we are discussing today in the format of the European Council, and the decisions we intend to make are primarily aimed at strengthening Lithuania's air defense," noted the president.

He added on the social network X that the incident also confirms the need to strengthen the readiness of the entire European air defense.

As reported, on Thursday around 18:00, a Su-30 aircraft, possibly conducting refueling exercises in the Kaliningrad region, and a refueling aircraft Il-78 flew approximately 700 meters into Lithuanian territory. The planes left Lithuania's airspace after about 18 seconds.

In response to the incident, two Spanish Air Force fighters performing a NATO air policing mission were scrambled.