Russia may be considering possible “false flag” provocations against NATO countries in the Baltic region. One scenario envisages a strike on critical infrastructure using an intercepted or reconstructed drone that would look like a Ukrainian-made unmanned aerial vehicle.
This was reported by Lithuanian broadcaster LRT, citing Lithuanian Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas.
There is no specific date for possible Russian actions. Lithuanian authorities are monitoring Russia’s plans and exchanging information with Poland and other NATO allies.
“We are assessing and monitoring the threat level,” Kaunas said.
The BNS news agency reported that one scenario believed to be under consideration by Moscow involves a “false flag” attack on the region’s critical infrastructure using intercepted Ukrainian-made drones. The Lithuanian outlet 15min also reported on such a possibility.
The minister suggested that a potential Russian attack could be carried out using an intercepted or reconstructed drone that would look like an unmanned aerial vehicle of Ukrainian origin. According to him, Russia could use such a provocation to test NATO’s resolve to support Ukraine.
At the same time, Kaunas stressed that the risk of a conventional attack on Lithuania remains low. His statement came after several months of warnings from senior officials in Poland, Latvia and Lithuania about the risk of escalation by Russia.
Over the past few months, air alerts have repeatedly been declared in Lithuania due to drones.
