Lithuania airport shut, Nato jets scramble as 'drone spotted' along Belarus

AI Summary

Lithuania shut an airport and NATO jets scrambled after a drone was reportedly spotted near the Belarusian border. The incident comes amid heightened regional security concerns and political attention to border risks, including in neighbouring Latvia ahead of its parliamentary election.

Lithuania is a Nato and European Union (EU) member and has been closely monitoring developments along its borders amid concerns about possible Russian aggression. Russia has rejected allegations that it is planning an attack on Nato, while Western officials have said Moscow does not currently have the capability for a direct assault. The development unflods as neighbouring Latvia prepares for a parliamentary election, with security concerns featuring prominently in campaign.