NATO ON ALERT OVER BALTIC DRONE THREATS – Alliance says it is prepared for “every eventuality”
NATO says it is prepared for “every eventuality” following a series of drone incidents across the Baltic region that have heightened tensions among alliance members bordering Russia.
Speaking in Sweden on Thursday, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said the alliance remains on alert after several suspected military drones entered the airspace of NATO countries in recent days. Earlier on Thursday, Latvia confirmed at least one drone had entered its airspace, prompting NATO fighter jets to respond.
The incidents come amid a rise in long-range Ukrainian drone attacks targeting Russia. Several drones have reportedly strayed into the territory of NATO members including Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Earlier this week, Estonia said a NATO jet shot down a suspected Ukrainian drone, while another incident in Lithuania forced flights to be suspended and lawmakers to shelter underground.
Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said Ukraine does not deliberately target allied territory, but suggested electronic interference may be causing drones to lose direction. Baltic states have accused Moscow of disrupting drone signals, while the Kremlin has denied involvement and accused NATO countries of assisting Ukrainian operations.
