Lithuanian military intelligence has information that Russia is considering attacks on critical infrastructure in the Baltic region using Ukrainian-made drones, Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas said.
The minister described the potential operations as unconventional kinetic attacks. “We have data that Russia is considering unconventional kinetic attacks against critical infrastructure in the Baltic region. It is likely that Russia could use Ukrainian-made drones for this purpose,” Kaunas told the news outlet 15min.
Such a move would allow Moscow to mask its involvement and stage a false-flag operation, Lithuanian officials assess. Captured or intercepted Ukrainian drones could be used to create the impression that Ukraine carried out the strike, giving Russia grounds to deny any attack on NATO territory.
No specific targets, timelines or likelihood of the scenario have been disclosed.
In response to earlier drone incidents in Baltic airspace, Lithuanian authorities have already tightened security at key sites, including the Klaipėda LNG terminal, electricity grid facilities and the Kruonis pumped-storage power plant.
President Gitanas Nausėda had previously cited intelligence pointing to possible Russian plans to target infrastructure, prompting reinforced security around energy and transport facilities.