Lithuania: Russia Could Use Ukrainian Drones for Provocations in Baltic
Concerns Over Russian False Flag Operations in the Baltic Region
Intelligence Warnings and Ministerial Statements
VILNIUS, Aug 6 (Reuters) - Lithuanian intelligence officials believe Russia is considering using captured Ukrainian-made drones to stage provocations against the Baltic region, Lithuanian Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas said on Thursday.
Leaders of Poland and the three Baltic states have warned that Russia is considering an attack or sabotage against their countries as a way to shift the focus of the Ukraine war and reduce support for Kyiv.
False Flag Operations and NATO Support
"We are talking about a false flag operation, using a false Ukrainian drone ... One of the goals is for NATO to waver and decrease support to Ukraine. I can assure this will not happen," Kaunas said.
Security Measures and Regional Responses
Infrastructure Threats and Precautions
Lithuania's President Gitanas Nauseda said in July that intelligence indicated that Russia was planning attacks on infrastructure, and that security around energy and transport sites was tightened as a precaution.
Kremlin Reactions
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov at the time said these were "scare stories" to justify militarisation against Russia.
Baltic and Polish Support for Ukraine
Poland and the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, which are all members of the NATO military alliance on the border with Russia, are staunch supporters of Kyiv and accuse Moscow of using escalatory language to intimidate them.
Drone Incidents and Airspace Violations
Military drones flying from Ukraine to attack targets in Russia have already strayed into the airspace of Finland and the Baltics in recent months, which Kyiv says was caused by Russia using electronic defences that jam or spoof signals.
Accusations and Denials
Russia has suggested the Baltic states are colluding to let Ukraine use their airspace to stage attacks on Russian targets. The Baltic states and Ukraine deny this.
(Reporting by Andrius Sytas; Writing by Terje Solsvik; Editing by Louise Rasmussen and Alison Williams)
