A NATO fighter jet shot down a drone in Lithuanian airspace early Tuesday, a day after a Russian warship fired flares at a Danish military helicopter operating in the Baltic Sea.
The drone is believed to have come from neighboring Belarus, a close ally of Russia in its war against Ukraine. It was shot down by an Italian jet between the cities of Vilnius and Kaunas, Lithuanian officials said.
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda expressed gratitude for the decisive response from NATO allies.
“With Russia intensifying its aggression against Ukraine, such readiness is vital for our region,” Mr. Nausėda posted on X. “Together with our NATO allies, Lithuania will defend its airspace.”
On Monday, officials in Copenhagen accused Russia of launching flares at a Danish air force Fennec helicopter taking routine photographs of a warship in international waters.
“The Russian frigate fired two flares at the helicopter. One of the flares passed within a short distance of the helicopter,” Danish armed forces officials said in a brief statement. “Flares are pyrotechnics. They are usually used as a warning signal at sea.”
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said it was dangerous for the Russian frigate to fire flares at the helicopter during a routine overflight mission.
“Russian actions are meant to intimidate and divide. They will not succeed. We will not waver,” Ms. Frederiksen posted on X.
Denmark has emerged as one of the strongest and most active supporters of Ukraine. Copenhagen has provided more than $12 billion in direct assistance to Kyiv since the war began. Denmark has also donated F-16 fighter jets, tanks and artillery systems.
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