{"id":2145128,"date":"2026-09-15T06:47:12","date_gmt":"2026-09-15T03:47:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2145128"},"modified":"2026-09-15T06:47:12","modified_gmt":"2026-09-15T03:47:12","slug":"nato-committed-and-ready-after-shooting-down-drone-over-lithuania","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2145128","title":{"rendered":"NATO &#8216;committed and ready&#8217; after shooting down drone over Lithuania"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/91\/37\/12\/1200x675_cmsv2_ccfaea67-6f6e-56be-9db7-767186ccb150-9913712.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2925615-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2925615\" data-cid=\"9912966\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2925615-label-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/91\/29\/66\/189x106_cmsv2_4b5a48b0-6c2a-5653-8853-75eded3ff238-9912966.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Instagram app\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Leak: EU Commission to pitch social media restrictions for under-15s\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2925784-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2925784\" data-cid=\"9913670\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2925784-label-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/91\/36\/70\/189x106_cmsv2_ab35270f-32ba-5348-bebc-da1adb24f598-9913670.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Slovakia&apos;s Prime Minister Robert Fico, right, and French President Emmanuel Macron during the EU summit at Alden Biesen Castle in Bilzen-Hoeselt, Belgium, Feb. 12, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe Today<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    France ties EU sanctions renewal to prisoner release\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2924848-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2924848\" data-cid=\"9909563\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2924848-label-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/95\/63\/189x106_cmsv2_42e743dd-4dc7-56d5-bcd7-b4af367b5eaf-9909563.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Europe Today\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe Today<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Trump claims Russia-Ukraine energy truce, AI slowdown rattles markets\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2925728-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2925728\" data-cid=\"9913460\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2925728-label-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/91\/34\/60\/189x106_cmsv2_28118a44-454c-56de-a322-22d7a82ca3a2-9913460.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"An injured Palestinian man is brought to Shifa Hospital after being wounded in an Israeli army airstrike in Gaza City\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    No Comment<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    At least two killed and tents destroyed in Israeli strikes on Gaza camps\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2925615-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2925615\" data-cid=\"9912966\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2925615-label-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/91\/29\/66\/189x106_cmsv2_4b5a48b0-6c2a-5653-8853-75eded3ff238-9912966.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Instagram app\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Leak: EU Commission to pitch social media restrictions for under-15s\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2925784-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2925784\" data-cid=\"9913670\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2925784-label-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/91\/36\/70\/189x106_cmsv2_ab35270f-32ba-5348-bebc-da1adb24f598-9913670.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Slovakia&apos;s Prime Minister Robert Fico, right, and French President Emmanuel Macron during the EU summit at Alden Biesen Castle in Bilzen-Hoeselt, Belgium, Feb. 12, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe Today<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    France ties EU sanctions renewal to prisoner release\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2924848-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2924848\" data-cid=\"9909563\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2924848-label-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/95\/63\/189x106_cmsv2_42e743dd-4dc7-56d5-bcd7-b4af367b5eaf-9909563.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Europe Today\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe Today<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Trump claims Russia-Ukraine energy truce, AI slowdown rattles markets\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2925728-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2925728\" data-cid=\"9913460\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2925728-label-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/91\/34\/60\/189x106_cmsv2_28118a44-454c-56de-a322-22d7a82ca3a2-9913460.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"An injured Palestinian man is brought to Shifa Hospital after being wounded in an Israeli army airstrike in Gaza City\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    No Comment<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    At least two killed and tents destroyed in Israeli strikes on Gaza camps\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"helper-site-row o-article-newsy\">\n<div class=\"helper-site-container o-article-newsy__container\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__main\">\n<header class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__header\">\n<nav aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs\">\n<div id=\"adb-article-breadcrumb\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs__list\">\n<p>                          Europe<\/p>\n<p>                          Europe News<\/p><\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<h1 class=\"c-article-redesign-title\">\n                            NATO &#8216;committed and ready&#8217; after shooting down drone over Lithuania<\/h1>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-video u-position-relative \">\n<div class=\"js-superdiv u-aspect-ratio-16x9 u-position-relative \" data-controller=\"video-player\" data-sponsored=\"Partner content\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"js-poster-img c-article-media__img\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/91\/37\/12\/1536x864_cmsv2_ccfaea67-6f6e-56be-9db7-767186ccb150-9913712.jpg\" width=\"1536\" height=\"864\" loading=\"eager\" alt=\"NATO fighter jets operate across the Baltic states\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-caption u-position-absolute\"><i id=\"article-caption-content\" class=\"c-article-caption__content\"><span class=\"c-article-caption__text\"><br \/>\n              NATO fighter jets operate across the Baltic states<br \/>\n                    <span class=\"u-color-white\">&#8211;\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__copyright\">Copyright\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__credit\">AP Photo<\/span><\/span><\/i><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-copyright c-article-image-copyright--novideo\">\n      Copyright\u00a0AP Photo\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__body u-article-content\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__contributors-publication-date\">\n<div class=\"c-article-contributors\">\n  By&amp;nbspSimon Ormiston\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-publication-date\" data-timestamp=\"1789454656\">\n                    Published on                 <time datetime=\"2026-09-15 08:44:16 +02:00\">15\/09\/2026 &#8211; 8:44 GMT+2<\/time><span class=\"c-article-publication-date__bullet\">\u2022<\/span>Updated<br \/>\n                                     <time datetime=\"08:47\">8:47<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-share-comment-share\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Share<\/span><\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Comments<\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label c-article-share-comment__label--always\">Add Euronews on Google<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup-overlay js-c-article-share-comment-popup-overlay u-display-none\">\n<div id=\"js-c-article-share-comment-popup\" class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup js-c-article-share-comment-popup\">\n<div 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width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"vk\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-bluesky.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"bluesky\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Bluesky<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-bluesky.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"bluesky\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-threads.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"threads\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Threads<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-threads.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"threads\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"whatsapp\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Whatsapp<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"whatsapp\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"c-article-summary\">\n        From the Baltics to Poland, Europe&#8217;s eastern edge is monitoring Russia&#8217;s war to prevent it spilling over its own borders.<br \/>\n    <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-content js-article-content\">\n<p>NATO stands &#8220;vigilant, committed, and ready,&#8221; Lithuania&#8217;s foreign minister said Tuesday, after an allied fighter jet destroyed a drone that crossed into the country&#8217;s airspace from Belarus \u2014 the latest in a string of aerial incursions testing the alliance&#8217;s eastern border with Russia.<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Kestutis Budrys credited the interception to the strength of collective defence, thanking the allies whose air presence, he said, protects Baltic skies and reinforces regional security. <\/p>\n<p>But the message lands beyond Vilnius: as Russia&#8217;s war on Ukraine grinds on, the alliance&#8217;s eastern members are increasingly treating airspace violations \u2014 deliberate or not \u2014 as tests of NATO&#8217;s resolve, and Tuesday&#8217;s response was framed as proof the system works.<\/p>\n<p>President Gitanas Nauseda confirmed the incident on social media, saying the drone had been destroyed.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;A drone that just entered Lithuanian airspace was destroyed by NATO fighter jets,&#8221; Gitanas Nauseda wrote in a post on X.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;With Russia intensifying its aggression against Ukraine, such readiness is vital for our region,&#8221; he added.<\/p>\n<p>Lithuania&#8217;s National Crisis Management Centre said the drone had crossed from Belarus, moved through the Lentvaris and Trakai areas heading west, and came down in a rural area near the village of Pratk\u016bnai, in Kaunas county \u2014 the first time a drone has been shot down over Lithuanian territory. <\/p>\n<p>Moscow has not commented on the incident.<\/p>\n<p>The episode was not isolated. Hours later, Poland announced it had launched its own &#8220;aviation operations,&#8221; citing Russian jet-powered drones striking Ukrainian territory near its borders. <\/p>\n<p>Warsaw described the measures as preventive, intended to secure airspace in regions adjacent to the conflict \u2014 a sign that vigilance is spreading well beyond the Baltic states.<\/p>\n<h2>Testing fragile energy site truce<\/h2>\n<p>Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia have reported repeated drone incursions since Russia&#8217;s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in 2022, but interceptions by NATO aircraft remain rare enough to draw attention. <\/p>\n<p>The alliance&#8217;s air-policing mission shot down a Ukrainian drone that strayed into Estonian airspace in May \u2014 its first such interception since the war started. <\/p>\n<p>European officials have also pointed to Russia diverting Ukrainian drones aimed at industrial and oil facilities near St Petersburg, on the Gulf of Finland.<\/p>\n<p>The incursion comes at a delicate diplomatic moment. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said Kyiv is ready to take &#8220;de-escalatory steps&#8221; if Moscow reciprocates, after US President Donald Trump announced the two sides had agreed to halt strikes on each other&#8217;s energy infrastructure. <\/p>\n<p>Even so, fighting continued overnight: Ukrainian forces struck Russian military targets in Krasnodar Krai, while Russia launched 102 drones at Ukraine.<\/p>\n<p>The incident also lands against a longer-running shift in Lithuanian policy. Since Nauseda said in July he wanted the country involved in Western nuclear deterrence against Moscow, Lithuania has begun the process of lifting its constitutional ban on hosting nuclear weapons \u2014 a move likely to draw fresh attention across European capitals as the debate over the continent&#8217;s own deterrence intensifies.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<footer class=\"perf-cv-auto c-article-contributors c-article-contributors-supplementary u-margin-top-2 u-padding-top-2\">\n<p>Additional sources<strong> \u2022 AFP<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/footer>\n<p>                                  Go to accessibility shortcuts<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-share-comment-share\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Share<\/span><\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Comments<\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label c-article-share-comment__label--always\">Add Euronews on Google<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-you-might-also-like\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-article-you-might-also-like\">\n<h2 class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__title\">\n        Read more<br \/>\n      <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  Leak: EU Commission to pitch social media restrictions for under-15s<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  France ties EU sanctions renewal to prisoner release<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  Three of the world\u2019s best new hotels are in Europe, according to the Michelin Guide<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto\">\n<ul id=\"adb-article-tags\" class=\"c-tags-list\">\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Lithuania<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Russia<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Nuclear weapons<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  NATO<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tp-vuukle\">\n<div class=\"c-vuukle-skeleton\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"c-vuukle-skeleton__header\"><span class=\"c-vuukle-skeleton__title\">Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"o-article-newsy__aside\">\n<div class=\"c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-1\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-top-stories\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-top-stories\">\n<h2 class=\"c-top-stories__title\">Top stories<\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2925557-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2925557\" data-cid=\"9912666\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2925557-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/91\/26\/66\/320x180_cmsv2_580b8b20-6182-5e5e-86c9-44b66295dbbf-9912666.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Ursula von der Leyen is at her sixth State of the Union speech\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    The State of the Union lottery: What will Ursula von der Leyen say?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2924647-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2924647\" data-cid=\"9908679\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2924647-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/86\/79\/320x180_cmsv2_be91c2ad-0896-57eb-b0e4-6526ab620d6e-9908679.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen delivers a press statement at EU headquarters in Brussels, Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026. \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    EU \u2018paying twice\u2019 for fossil fuel dependence. Will we ever break free?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2925649-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2925649\" data-cid=\"9913075\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2925649-label-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/91\/30\/75\/320x180_cmsv2_86b9034c-7d21-5d50-a1fd-06b5ef0bfeb6-9913075.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\" European Council President Antonio Costa, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Canada wants a \u2018unique alliance\u2019 with the EU. How far can Brussels go?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2925669-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2925669\" data-cid=\"9913241\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2925669-label-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/91\/32\/41\/320x180_cmsv2_f98bec57-de7d-52b3-b620-5f227aeb779b-9913241.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"France and Slovakia demand the removal of Alisher Usmanov from the EU sanctions list.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    France seeks Usmanov delisting to free French nationals in Azerbaijan<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2924954-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2924954\" data-cid=\"9910223\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2924954-label-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/91\/02\/23\/320x180_cmsv2_d3ff81ae-5357-58b3-af35-f0ede9e4d2ab-9910223.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"FILE. European Commissioner for Financial Services and the Savings and Investments Union Maria Lu\u00eds Albuquerque speaks during a media conference in Brussels, March 2025\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Here&#8217;s how much idle savings are costing Europeans every year<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-2\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-most-viewed\">\n<h2 class=\"c-most-viewed__title qa-section-title\">Most read<\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__list\">\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">1<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2924086-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2924086\" data-cid=\"9905857\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Retired wind turbines are turning into tiny homes and alpine skis<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">2<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2924891-pos2-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2924891\" data-cid=\"9909903\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Ceuta crisis drives EU towards tougher migration stance<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">3<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2925373-pos3-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2925373\" data-cid=\"9911858\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Canada eyes \u2018associate member\u2019 status with EU amid US tensions<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">4<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2925533-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2925533\" data-cid=\"9912478\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Amateur goalie says no to throne, kicking off succession row in Uganda<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">5<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2925317-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2925317\" data-cid=\"9911645\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    UAE and Iran discuss easing tensions at BRICS summit<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-3\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2925557-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2925557\" data-cid=\"9912666\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2925557-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/91\/26\/66\/320x180_cmsv2_580b8b20-6182-5e5e-86c9-44b66295dbbf-9912666.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Ursula von der Leyen is at her sixth State of the Union speech\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    The State of the Union lottery: What will Ursula von der Leyen say?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2924647-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2924647\" data-cid=\"9908679\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2924647-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/90\/86\/79\/320x180_cmsv2_be91c2ad-0896-57eb-b0e4-6526ab620d6e-9908679.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen delivers a press statement at EU headquarters in Brussels, Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026. \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    EU \u2018paying twice\u2019 for fossil fuel dependence. Will we ever break free?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2925649-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2925649\" data-cid=\"9913075\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2925649-label-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/91\/30\/75\/320x180_cmsv2_86b9034c-7d21-5d50-a1fd-06b5ef0bfeb6-9913075.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\" European Council President Antonio Costa, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Canada wants a \u2018unique alliance\u2019 with the EU. How far can Brussels go?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2925669-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2925669\" data-cid=\"9913241\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2925669-label-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/91\/32\/41\/320x180_cmsv2_f98bec57-de7d-52b3-b620-5f227aeb779b-9913241.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"France and Slovakia demand the removal of Alisher Usmanov from the EU sanctions list.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    France seeks Usmanov delisting to free French nationals in Azerbaijan<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2924954-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2924954\" data-cid=\"9910223\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2924954-label-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/91\/02\/23\/320x180_cmsv2_d3ff81ae-5357-58b3-af35-f0ede9e4d2ab-9910223.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"FILE. European Commissioner for Financial Services and the Savings and Investments Union Maria Lu\u00eds Albuquerque speaks during a media conference in Brussels, March 2025\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Here&#8217;s how much idle savings are costing Europeans every year<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2924086-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2924086\" data-cid=\"9905857\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Retired wind turbines are turning into tiny homes and alpine skis<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2924891-pos2-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2924891\" data-cid=\"9909903\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Ceuta crisis drives EU towards tougher migration stance<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2925373-pos3-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2925373\" data-cid=\"9911858\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Canada eyes \u2018associate member\u2019 status with EU amid US tensions<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2925533-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2925533\" data-cid=\"9912478\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Amateur goalie says no to throne, kicking off succession row in Uganda<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2925317-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2925317\" data-cid=\"9911645\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    UAE and Iran discuss easing tensions at BRICS summit<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"articleBody\" data-key=\"articleBody\">NATO stands &#8220;vigilant, committed, and ready,&#8221; Lithuania&#8217;s foreign minister said Tuesday, after an allied fighter jet destroyed a drone that crossed into the country&#8217;s airspace from Belarus \u2014 the latest in a string of aerial incursions testing the alliance&#8217;s eastern border with Russia.Kestutis Budrys credited the interception to the strength of collective defence, thanking the allies whose air presence, he said, protects Baltic skies and reinforces regional security.But the message lands beyond Vilnius: as Russia&#8217;s war on Ukraine grinds on, the alliance&#8217;s eastern members are increasingly treating airspace violations \u2014 deliberate or not \u2014 as tests of NATO&#8217;s resolve, and Tuesday&#8217;s response was framed as proof the system works.President Gitanas Nauseda confirmed the incident on social media, saying the drone had been destroyed.&#8221;A drone that just entered Lithuanian airspace was destroyed by NATO fighter jets,&#8221; Gitanas Nauseda wrote in a post on X.&#8221;With Russia intensifying its aggression against Ukraine, such readiness is vital for our region,&#8221; he added.Lithuania&#8217;s National Crisis Management Centre said the drone had crossed from Belarus, moved through the Lentvaris and Trakai areas heading west, and came down in a rural area near the village of Pratk\u016bnai, in Kaunas county \u2014 the first time a drone has been shot down over Lithuanian territory.Moscow has not commented on the incident.The episode was not isolated. Hours later, Poland announced it had launched its own &#8220;aviation operations,&#8221; citing Russian jet-powered drones striking Ukrainian territory near its borders.Warsaw described the measures as preventive, intended to secure airspace in regions adjacent to the conflict \u2014 a sign that vigilance is spreading well beyond the Baltic states.Testing fragile energy site truceLithuania, Latvia and Estonia have reported repeated drone incursions since Russia&#8217;s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in 2022, but interceptions by NATO aircraft remain rare enough to draw attention.The alliance&#8217;s air-policing mission shot down a Ukrainian drone that strayed into Estonian airspace in May \u2014 its first such interception since the war started.European officials have also pointed to Russia diverting Ukrainian drones aimed at industrial and oil facilities near St Petersburg, on the Gulf of Finland.The incursion comes at a delicate diplomatic moment. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said Kyiv is ready to take &#8220;de-escalatory steps&#8221; if Moscow reciprocates, after US President Donald Trump announced the two sides had agreed to halt strikes on each other&#8217;s energy infrastructure.Even so, fighting continued overnight: Ukrainian forces struck Russian military targets in Krasnodar Krai, while Russia launched 102 drones at Ukraine.The incident also lands against a longer-running shift in Lithuanian policy. Since Nauseda said in July he wanted the country involved in Western nuclear deterrence against Moscow, Lithuania has begun the process of lifting its constitutional ban on hosting nuclear weapons \u2014 a move likely to draw fresh attention across European capitals as the debate over the continent&#8217;s own deterrence intensifies.<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/my-europe\/2026\/09\/15\/nato-committed-and-ready-after-shooting-down-drone-over-lithuania&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/91\/37\/12\/1200x675_cmsv2_ccfaea67-6f6e-56be-9db7-767186ccb150-9913712.jpg&#8221;] Europe News Leak: EU Commission to pitch social media restrictions for under-15s Europe Today France ties EU sanctions renewal to prisoner release Europe Today Trump claims Russia-Ukraine energy truce, AI slowdown rattles markets No Comment At least two killed and tents destroyed in Israeli strikes on Gaza camps Europe News Leak: EU [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[90],"tags":[226,36],"class_list":["post-2145128","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-international","tag-crawlmanager","tag-euronews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2145128","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2145128"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2145128\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2145128"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2145128"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2145128"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}