The Baltic countries have issued an urgent warning over Russian drones breaching their borders as they scramble to upgrade their air defences. In a joint statement by the Latvian, Lithuanian, and Estonian defence ministers, the countries said multiple foreign objects entered their airspace and struck their territory this week.

They said: “We, Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania, are taking resolute steps with prioritizing our air defence development. However, recent incidents fuelled by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, demonstrate the importance to further strengthen multi-layered air defence.

“Fortunately, no civilians were injured, and the damage to infrastructure was minimal. We commend the professionalism of Allies contributing to NATO’s Air Policing Mission that helps to preserve the security of our airspace.

“While the investigation is underway to determine all relevant details and circumstances, we remain steadfast in our support to Ukraine’s defensive operations against Russia and Ukraine’s legitimate right to self-defence.”

The Baltic states said they are investing more in defence capabilities and will spend at least 5% of GDP on defence.

“On the night of March 25 at 3:43 am, a drone hit the chimney of the Auvere power plant. No one was injured in the accident,” a spokesperson for the Internal Security Service (ISS/KAPO) said.

No one was injured in the incident, and the infrastructure was not damaged.

Moreover, the wreckage of a drone entering Latvian airspace was also found in the Kraslava region, near the border with Belarus, the government said.

“No civilians were injured, and no damage was caused to civilian infrastructure,” it also said, adding that “the circumstances of the incident are being investigated”.