Belarus Accuses Lithuania of Drone Provocation Amid Escalating Tensions

Belarus Lodges Formal Protest Over Alleged Drone Incursion

Minsk, Belarus – On December 1, 2025, Belarus formally accused neighboring Lithuania of a drone provocation, alleging that an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) launched from Lithuanian territory violated its airspace and crashed in the city of Grodno. The Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Erikas Vilkanecas, Lithuania's Chargé d'Affaires ad interim, to lodge a formal protest regarding the incident.

According to Belarusian authorities, the fixed-wing drone illegally entered Belarusian airspace from Lithuania's Lazdijai District Municipality on November 30, 2025. Upon inspection of the wreckage in Grodno, Belarusian officials claimed the drone was equipped with a photo and video camera capable of collecting intelligence data. Furthermore, they alleged that the drone dropped 'extremist printed materials,' specifically white-red-white national Belarusian flags, which are widely recognized as symbols of opposition to the current Belarusian government.

Minsk Cites 'Deliberate Provocation' and International Law Violations

The Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that an analysis of the drone's wreckage, including video footage and navigation data found on flash drives, indicated its intended flight path. The drone was reportedly programmed to traverse Belarusian territory, cross into Poland, and then return to its launch point in Lithuania. Belarus has characterized these actions as a 'deliberate provocation' not only against Belarus but also against Poland, asserting that such acts threaten national security and constitute a direct violation of international law, including the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation.

Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko was reportedly informed of the incident and issued instructions to the State Security Committee and other relevant bodies. Minsk has demanded that Lithuania provide detailed information about the incident, conduct a thorough investigation, hold those responsible accountable, and implement measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future. Belarus also reserved the right to take 'all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty and security.'

Lithuania Dismisses Accusations as 'False' and Fabricated

In response to the Belarusian allegations, Vilnius vehemently denied any involvement, dismissing the charges as 'false.' A spokesperson for the Lithuanian National Crisis Management Center explicitly denied that Lithuania had sent any drones on a 'spy mission.' Lithuanian officials further stated that this was 'not the first time the Belarusian regime is inventing stories and hurling accusations at Western countries and Lithuania.' Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė also confirmed that she had received no information suggesting Lithuania's involvement in the incident.

Broader Context of Strained Bilateral Relations

This drone incident unfolds against a backdrop of severely strained relations between Belarus and Lithuania. Tensions have been particularly high due to recent events involving suspected balloons in Lithuanian airspace, which have repeatedly forced Vilnius airport to halt flights. Lithuania has labeled these balloon incursions as 'hybrid attacks' orchestrated by Belarus, alleging that they are used by smugglers to transport contraband cigarettes. The European Union has echoed Lithuania's concerns, describing the balloon incidents as a 'hybrid attack' by the Lukashenko regime and indicating that further sanctions against Belarus are being prepared.

In October, Lithuania temporarily closed its border with Belarus in response to the surge in balloon incidents, a move that resulted in thousands of Lithuanian cargo trucks becoming stranded in Belarus. The EU's diplomatic arm also summoned Belarus's envoy to address these 'hybrid actions' and the 'unacceptable situation' of the stranded trucks. The latest drone accusation adds another layer of complexity to the already fraught relationship between the two neighboring states.