Vilnius, Sep 16 (V7N)- A NATO-operated Italian fighter jet has shot down a suspected Russian drone after it entered Lithuanian airspace, raising fresh concerns in Europe over the potential spillover of the Russia-Ukraine war into neighboring countries.

Lithuania's National Crisis Management Center said the drone entered the country's airspace from the direction of Belarus on Tuesday (September 15). It was later shot down near the town of Pratkunai in central Lithuania, north of Kaunas.

Lithuanian Defense Minister Robertas Kaunas said in a social media post that the drone was carrying explosives. Authorities are examining the wreckage to determine whether it was manufactured in Russia or another country.

After meeting NATO personnel at the scene, Kaunas said the intervention by the Italian fighter jet demonstrated the value of the Atlantic alliance and the importance of fulfilling obligations among NATO members.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the incident as part of a broader pattern of what she called "aggression and provocation" against Europe.

German politician Johann Wadephul also blamed Russia for the incident, saying NATO members would not be intimidated into backing down. Russia has not immediately commented on the allegations.

The latest incident came a day after Russia was accused of firing flares at a Danish military helicopter monitoring a Russian warship in the Baltic Sea on Monday (September 14).

Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz said the developments demonstrated that Russia's actions posed a security threat to Europe. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has also pledged further support for Ukraine following recent Russian drone attacks.

Tensions have increased further after a Russian drone reportedly struck a train near the Polish border. A delegation of current and former officials from the United Kingdom, the United States and Europe had passed through the station only minutes before the reported strike.

Speaking at a press conference, Kaunas warned that the consequences of the Russia-Ukraine war were no longer limited to the two countries and were increasingly affecting neighboring states.

He said such incidents could continue unless the conflict is resolved through dialogue, while arguing that Russian President Vladimir Putin is not seeking a peaceful settlement.

END/SMA/AJ