Lithuania’s defense minister warned that Russia could attempt a false-flag operation in the Baltic region using captured Ukrainian drones to test NATO’s resolve and weaken support for Ukraine.

According to Lithuanian intelligence assessments, Moscow could use drones made to appear Ukrainian in an effort to provoke a regional crisis and gauge the alliance’s response. Defense Minister Robertas Kaunas said one objective would be to create uncertainty within NATO and reduce backing for Kyiv.

The warning comes amid growing concerns among Lithuania, Poland, and other Baltic nations that Russia could carry out sabotage or limited attacks against neighboring countries to divert attention from the war in Ukraine and undermine Western unity.

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda previously said intelligence suggested Russia could target critical infrastructure, prompting increased security around energy and transportation facilities. The Kremlin dismissed the allegations, calling them “fearmongering” designed to justify military buildups against Russia.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)