Baltic States in May 2026: the most important developments in security
In May 2026, security in the Baltic States was dominated by drones entering the airspace of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. On 19 May a NATO fighter jet, a Romanian aircraft operating under NATO command, shot down an intruder drone over Estonia, and a temporary air threat alert was issued in the south of the country before it was lifted. Estonia accused Russia over the incursion, while Russia claimed that Kyiv planned to launch drones from Latvia.
Latvia was the most affected. Early in the month, more drones crashed there, and officials reported a suspected Ukrainian drone incident and accused Russia of a drone hitting an oil depot. Latvia protested to Russia. Latvia's prime minister resigned after stray Ukrainian drones entered the country's airspace, and the government's handling of airspace violations drew criticism. On 19 May an air threat alert covering most of Latvia ended, apart from Krāslava and Ludza, and exams were suspended in several areas. On 20 May Russia claimed Ukraine used Latvian drones and hinted at retaliation. Latvia ordered more Blaze interceptor drones and planned to deploy interceptor drones and automated turrets at its border.
Lithuania issued a probable air alert in Vilnius and border regions on 20 May after a drone sighting, and its state security chief called the situation increasingly tense. An official said the country's drone early warning system was not functioning properly, as a drone that crashed there was neutralised in a controlled explosion. The prime minister said there was no direct threat after Latvia's alert on 21 May. Lithuania accused Russia of an information campaign amid the drone incidents and warned that Russia can jam GPS signals deep into Europe. Estonia extended night-time border crossing closures in Narva and the southeast and bought three more Chunmoo rocket launchers.
Among the wider measures, NATO was reported to be set to strengthen the forces assigned to defend the Baltics in a war. Lithuania's president said Lithuania would send troops to the Strait of Hormuz only after a US-Iran peace deal, and said the country was ready to host more US troops if forces leave Germany.
by WorldBrief & Maksim Micheliov | AI-generated summary
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