Lithuanian leaders rushed to bunkers as drone violates country’s airspace
Lithuanian leaders were rushed to bunkers after a drone violated the country's airspace, prompting a shelter alert for residents in Vilnius. This incident marks the first air raid alert in an EU and NATO country since Russia's invasion of Ukraine began in 2022. The European Commission and NATO officials condemned Russia and Belarus for their involvement in the drone incursions.
- ▪Lithuania's president and prime minister were taken to underground bunkers during the airspace violation alert.
- ▪Residents of Vilnius were urged to take shelter, and air and train traffic was suspended in the area.
- ▪The alert was the first of its kind in an EU and NATO country since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
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People crowded into a shelter at the Lithuanian parliament after the mobile phone alert. Photograph: Andrius Sytas/ReutersView image in fullscreenPeople crowded into a shelter at the Lithuanian parliament after the mobile phone alert. Photograph: Andrius Sytas/ReutersLithuaniaLithuanian leaders rushed to bunkers as drone violates country’s airspaceVilnius residents urged to take shelter during alert, after Nato and EU warn that Russia is diverting Ukraine’s drones Europe live – latest updates Jon Henley Europe correspondentWed 20 May 2026 09.43 EDTLast modified on Wed 20 May 2026 09.45 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleLithuania’s president and prime minister were rushed to underground bunkers and residents of the capital, Vilnius, urged to take shelter during a warning issued after a…
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