“Seek shelter now”: Drone alert near Belarus border forces Vilnius airport closure

Published on 20/05/2026 - 10:43 GMT+2•Updated 10:49

Vilnius airport closed on Wednesday after a drone warning was issued across parts of the country.

Lithuania's defence ministry said an air alert had been issued and NATO Baltic Air Policing had been activated after a suspected drone had been detected approaching from Belarus near to the border.

"Immediately seek shelter in a ​safe place, take care of your ​close ones, await new recommendations," a message sent to people ​in the country's capital read.

Latvia also issued a warning on Wednesday morning to residents in the eastern areas of Ludza, Krāslava and Rēzekne over what it said was a "possible threat" to its airspace.

"Seek shelter indoors, close windows and doors - follow the two-wall principle," the Latvian National Armed Forces (NBS) said in a statement. "If you notice a low-flying, suspicious, or dangerous object, do not approach it and call 112."

The NBS later said the threat had ended.

It comes after a Romanian F-16 fighter jet shot down a stray Ukrainian drone over Estonia on Tuesday.

Following the incident, Estonian foreign minister Margus Tsahkna said the operation to intercept the drone had proved NATO defences worked.

"Romanian F-16s responded immediately from Šiauliai, demonstrating that Allies stand united and ready to defend every inch of NATO territory," he wrote on X.