🔗 Share this article

Lithuania will begin to intercept and destroy balloons used to smuggle cigarettes from neighbouring Belarus, the country's leader announced.

The measure comes after balloons entering Lithuanian airspace disrupted air traffic repeatedly in recent days, with weekend disruptions, accompanied by temporary closures of frontier checkpoints during these events.

Border checkpoints will now be closed indefinitely in response to the helium weather balloons.

According to official declarations, "our nation stands prepared to implement maximum response protocols against airspace violations."

Government Response

Announcing the actions at a press conference, Ruginiene said the army was taking "all necessary measures" to shoot down balloons.

Concerning border measures, Ruginiene said diplomats will still be able to travel across the international border, while European Union nationals and Lithuanian residents retain entry rights, though all other travel remains prohibited.

"This represents our clear message to Belarus stating that asymmetric operations face opposition across our nation, employing comprehensive defensive actions to prevent similar incidents," government officials declared.

There has been no immediate response from Belarus.

Diplomatic Measures

The Baltic nation intends to coordinate with partners over the threat posed from the balloons and may discuss activating the NATO consultation clause - a provision enabling alliance discussion on any issue of concern, especially related to its security - she added.

Flight Cancellations

Aviation hubs faced multiple shutdowns at the weekend due to weather balloons from Belarus, disrupting air transport and passenger movement, according to Baltic News Service.

In recent weeks, multiple aerial devices crossed into Lithuanian airspace, causing dozens of flight disruptions impacting thousands, according to emergency management officials.

This situation represents ongoing challenges: as of 6 October, numerous unauthorized objects tracked entering airspace across the frontier in recent months, according to official statements, while 966 were recorded last year.

European Context

Other European airports - such as Scandinavian and German locations - have also been affected by air incursions, with unauthorized drone observations, in recent weeks.