Russia hijacks Ukrainian drones, sends them to Baltic states; Kyiv apologises again

Kyiv expressed regret on Sunday following potential drone incursions into Lithuanian airspace during an operation against Russian military targets. The Ukrainian foreign ministry attributed the incident to Russian electronic warfare. Lithuania warned that Russia could falsify GPS signals up to 450 km from its Kaliningrad exclave, exacerbating concerns over the Baltic states' security.

Russia has augmented its GPS spoofing network in the Kaliningrad region, increasing the number of antennae from three in early 2025 to 36, according to Lithuania's deputy head of communications regulator Darius Kuliesius. This heightened capability enables Russia to deceive navigation systems across a substantial radius, impacting countries such as Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and parts of nearby nations.

The interference has extended beyond aviation, affecting mobile phone networks and even traffic systems near Kaliningrad, which rely on GPS for tracking. Finland, Estonia, and Latvia have previously encountered similar disruptions, with incidents involving NATO jets shooting down suspected Ukrainian drones. Despite Russia's denials, the Federation's actions have prompted NATO to remain vigilant against potential threats.

The issue has implications for European security, with Ukraine justifying drone strikes on Russian military targets to weaken Russia's war effort. Zelenskyy has pledged to deploy Ukrainian experts to Latvia for airspace protection. The recurring GPS disruptions have notably affected European leaders' travels, including a Spanish military jet and a European Commission delegation.