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“This is a blatant breach of international law and territorial integrity of Lithuania,� Nausėda wrote on X. “Once again, it confirms the importance of strengthening European air defence readiness.�

Russia’s Defense Ministry, meanwhile, rejected the Lithuanian claim that Russian fighter jets had intruded into its airspace.

It said in a statement that Su-30 fighter jets on Thursday conducted training flights over the Kaliningrad region in strict compliance with the rules.

“The aircraft did not deviate from their flight route or violate the borders of other states, as confirmed by objective monitoring means,� the ministry said.

Baltic nations already have been on heightened alert over neighboring . And in recent weeks, a series of mysterious by Russian war planes have fueled concerns that Russian President might be testing NATO’s defensive reflexes.

Some leaders have accused Putin of waging a . Moscow denies probing NATO’s defenses.

The Lithuanian armed forces said in a statement that about 6 p.m. local time on Thursday, two Russian military aircraft flew into Lithuanian airspace for about 700 meters (765 yards), The SU-30 aircraft and IL-78 refueling aircraft flew away after roughly 18 seconds.

The Lithuanian armed forces believe the military planes might have been conducting refueling exercises in the neighboring .

Two Spanish fighter jets, which had been doing NATO air policing missions, were scrambled and flew out to the area.

Earlier on Thursday, NausÄ—da attended a summit at the European Council building in Brussels where EU leaders endorsed a plan to ensure that Europe can defend itself against an outside attack by the end of the decade. The plan is dubbed Readiness 2030.