Another live drone from Belarus has entered Lithuanian territory. The Baltic NATO member is alarmed and is demanding more support from the Western military alliance.

A drone that crashed in Lithuania was loaded with approximately two kilograms of explosives, according to the Vilnius Prosecutor General's Office. The unmanned aerial vehicle was deactivated after being located by special forces of the Lithuanian army. It had presumably flown from Belarus into the airspace of the Baltic EU and NATO member and was found after a search lasting several days at the Gaiziunai military training ground near Jonava. It is said to be a so-called Gerbera drone, which externally resembles the Shahed combat drones used by Russia in its war of aggression against Ukraine.

The flying object had previously been spotted and reported by citizens near the capital, Vilnius. According to the army, the most likely scenario is that it was a drone that was diverted by Ukrainian air defenses. However, according to the Prosecutor General's Office, authorities are continuing to investigate in all directions.

Lithuania calls for more support from NATO

The government in Vilnius also called on NATO for more assistance with air defense."This is the second such incident within a month," said Lithuanian Foreign Minister Budrys."The danger is real, and it's growing," he added."If Belarus does not take measures to minimize potential damage on our side, Lithuania will respond with political and other measures," he said, referring to Belarus, a close ally of Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin.

The increasing frequency of similar incidents poses a threat to the security of Lithuania and the entire Alliance, Budrys and Defense Minister Dovile Sakaliene wrote in a joint letter to NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.

Belarus is a close ally of Russia. Since the beginning of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, drones have repeatedly invaded the airspace of neighboring Baltic states. In response, Lithuania has deployed additional troops and air defense capabilities to its border with Belarus.

dpa/saha