Statement by Spokesperson of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus R.Varankou regarding latest incursion into Belarusian airspace by UAV from Lithuania

On 21 May, the Chargé d’Affaires of the Republic of Lithuania in the Republic of Belarus, Erikas Vilkanečas, was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus.

A strong protest was lodged with him regarding yet another gross violation of the State border of Belarus by an unmanned aerial vehicle from the territory of Lithuania.

Specifically, on 17 May 2026, a Ukrainian ‘Chaika’ unmanned aerial vehicle, which was originally heading towards the territory of the Russian Federation to strike targets there, was detected near the village of Stanislaucy in the Dokshycy District of the Viciebsk Region. 

The Lithuanian side took no action to prevent the combat drone from entering Belarusian territory, including providing timely notification to the Belarusian armed forces, in contrast to the measures taken by the Belarusian side in similar situations. 

These actions constitute a direct threat to the security of the Republic of Belarus and are a gross violation of international law.

The Belarusian side demands that the Lithuanian side:

1. Conduct an investigation into this incident.
2. Immediately provide detailed information on the circumstances of the incident.
3. Take comprehensive measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.