In a recent statement, the Lithuania Defense Minister Laurynas Kasciunas urged NATO planes stationed in the Baltic states to shoot down Russian drones in the airspace of his country and its neighbors. This comes after a Russian drone fell in Latvia last week, raising concerns about security in the region.
Since joining NATO in 2004, the Baltic states have relied on NATO planes to patrol their skies as they lack fighter planes of their own. Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics is in discussions with allies about the issue, emphasizing the need for protocols to intercept drones and prompt action from allied fighter planes when necessary.
Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski has also spoken out about the need for protection, suggesting that Warsaw should have the ability to shoot down Russian missiles over Ukraine if they pose a threat to Polish territory. Similarly, Ukraine has asked for support from neighboring NATO members to intercept Russian missiles and drones targeting its western regions.
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