NATO fighter jets successfully shot down a drone in Lithuanian airspace on Tuesday morning, announced the country’s president. Lithuanian officials reported the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) flew in from Belarus, a close ally of Russia.

The drone traveled over Lentvaris, near Vilnius, before NATO aircraft intercepted it near Kaunas. Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda stated, “With Russia increasing its aggression towards Ukraine, maintaining readiness in our region is essential.” He emphasized Lithuania’s commitment to protect its airspace alongside NATO allies.

The Russian defense ministry has been approached for a statement by Newsweek.

Countries on NATO’s eastern border express concern over the potential spread of the Ukraine conflict into alliance territories. Incidents have occurred before, such as a suspected Russian Shahed-type drone entering Romanian airspace last week.

This story is still developing. Further updates will be provided as they become available.