Another incident in the Baltics: Two Russian military aircraft from the Kaliningrad region briefly violated Lithuanian airspace on Thursday evening. According to the Lithuanian military, the aircraft penetrated about 700 meters into the neighboring country near Kybartai around 6 p.m. and left again after about 18 seconds.

The aircraft were a fighter jet and an IL-78 tanker. The duo was reportedly conducting refueling training over the Baltic Sea.

In response, two Eurofighter Typhoons of the Spanish Air Force, stationed in Lithuania as part of the NATO air policing mission, took off. They headed for the region and have been conducting air patrols ever since.

Harsh words from Vilnius

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda (61) condemned the incident as a"gross violation of international law." Russia was clearly violating international rules and infringing on Lithuania's sovereignty."We cannot remain inactive," Nausėda said. The Foreign Ministry summoned representatives of the Russian embassy and submitted a note of protest.

The President also warned that similar incidents have been occurring more frequently recently – not only in Lithuania. They demonstrate the importance of further strengthening the country's air defense.

Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė (44) stated that Lithuania had reacted quickly and decisively."Our services acted precisely," she wrote on Facebook. NATO fighter jets responded immediately and brought the situation under control.

Ruginienė was clear in her words: Russia is acting"like a terrorist state" that deliberately provokes. At the same time, she assured:"Lithuania is safe. Together with our allies, we will protect and defend every inch of our country."

The incident follows a series of airspace violations by Russia, which have recently caused increasing tensions and unrest among NATO allies in Europe. Russian fighter jets entered Estonian airspace on September 19, and Russian military drones repeatedly violated the airspace over the NATO alliance territory along its eastern flank.