Suspected drone explodes and crashes into Lithuanian lake near Belarus border

Suspected drone explodes and crashes into Lithuanian lake near Belarus border
March 23, 2026

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Suspected drone explodes and crashes into Lithuanian lake near Belarus border

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A suspected drone has crashed into an ice-covered lake in Lithuania, approximately 20 km (12 miles) from the Belarusian border, the country’s army confirmed on Monday.

Local media say the suspected drone crashed into a lake in the Varėna district near the village of Lavys in the early hours of Monday.

Debris discovered around a hole in the ice is believed to be from the unmanned aerial vehicle, according to an army spokesperson.

Night-time security camera footage, released by Lithuania’s public broadcaster LRT, captured approximately 40 seconds of a buzzing sound before a loud blast, followed by what appeared to be flaming debris ascending into the air.

Army spokesperson Gintautas Ciunis stated: “We are very close to Belarus… The most likely assumption is it came from this country.” He added that no explosives were found at the crash site.

Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene has scheduled a National Security Commission consultation for Tuesday to address the incident.

Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene has called a National Security Commision consultation for Tuesday to discuss the incident. (Associated Press)

Lithuania last year asked NATO for more air defences after military drones from Belarus landed on its territory twice in July 2025.

Lithuanian intelligence said earlier this month that both drones had entered Lithuania accidentally.

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