🔗 Share this article

Authorities have decided to eliminate helium balloons carrying contraband tobacco across the border, government officials confirmed.

The measure comes after foreign objects crossing the border forced Vilnius Airport to close repeatedly in recent days, including at the weekend, with the government also closing Belarus border crossings temporarily each time.

International border access continues restricted following repeated balloon incursions.

Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene said, "we are ready to take even the most severe actions against airspace violations."

National Security Actions

Outlining the strategy to media, the Prime Minister confirmed military forces were implementing "complete operational protocols" to shoot down balloons.

Regarding frontier restrictions, officials noted embassy personnel maintain access across the international border, and EU citizens and Lithuanians can enter from Belarus, but no other movement will be allowed.

"In this way, we are sending a signal to the neighboring nation stating that asymmetric operations face opposition within our territory, and we'll implement maximum countermeasures to halt these operations," she said.

There has been no immediate response from Belarus.

Diplomatic Measures

Lithuania plans to consult its allies regarding the aerial device concerns and may discuss activating Nato's Article 4 - a provision enabling alliance discussion regarding security matters, specifically concerning defense matters - the Prime Minister concluded.

Travel Impacts

Lithuanian airports were closed three times over the weekend because of aerial devices from Belarus, disrupting air transport and passenger movement, based on regional media reports.

During the current month, 25 balloons entered Lithuania from Belarus, resulting in numerous canceled flights and passenger inconveniences, according to emergency management officials.

These incidents continue previous patterns: through early October, 544 balloons were recorded entering Lithuania from neighboring territory during current year, an NCMC spokesman said, compared to higher numbers in prior period.

Regional Situation

International air travel hubs - such as Scandinavian and German locations - faced comparable aviation security challenges, involving unmanned aerial vehicles, over past months.