Germany condemns Russian aircraft violation of Lithuanian airspace

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has denounced Thursday's violation of Lithuanian airspace by Russian military aircraft as a calculated provocation against the European Union. Speaking after an EU summit in Brussels, Merz stated the incident involving an Su-30 fighter and IL-78 refueling aircraft represented "another serious airspace violation that did not happen by accident" and indicated it would be addressed through NATO channels.

Details of the Airspace Breach

According to Lithuanian military reports, the two Russian aircraft penetrated approximately 700 meters into Lithuanian territory near the border town of Kybartai, adjacent to Russia's Kaliningrad exclave. The incursion lasted roughly 18 seconds before the planes returned to Russian airspace. This latest incident continues a pattern of airspace violations that have heightened tensions between NATO members and Russia throughout the Baltic region.

European Response and Sanctions

Chancellor Merz confirmed the incident would undergo detailed analysis in coordination with German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, with expectations that NATO would formally address the violation. The German leader also welcomed the EU's unanimous adoption of its 19th sanctions package against Russia, highlighting Europe's successful reduction of energy dependence on Moscow by over 80% since the beginning of the conflict in Ukraine.

Energy Independence Timeline

Merz emphasized the European Union's commitment to completely ending all Russian energy imports by the end of 2027, a target formally established within the latest sanctions framework. This energy decoupling represents a significant strategic shift for Europe, which previously relied heavily on Russian gas and oil supplies, and demonstrates the bloc's long-term response to ongoing Russian provocations.