🔗 Share this article

Authorities have decided to shoot down aerial devices transporting contraband tobacco across the border, the country's leader announced.

This action responds after balloons entering Lithuanian airspace necessitated airport closures multiple times over the past week, including at the weekend, while authorities suspended Belarus border crossings temporarily each time.

Border checkpoints will now be closed indefinitely following repeated balloon incursions.

According to official declarations, "we are ready to take the strictest possible measures during unauthorized aerial intrusions."

Government Response

Announcing the actions at a press conference, the Prime Minister confirmed military forces were implementing "all necessary measures" to eliminate aerial threats.

Regarding frontier restrictions, the Prime Minister confirmed diplomatic movement continues for cross-border diplomatic missions, while European Union nationals and Lithuanian residents retain entry rights, but no other movement will be allowed.

"This represents our clear message to Belarus stating that asymmetric operations face opposition here, and we will take all the strictest measures to prevent similar incidents," government officials declared.

Authorities received no prompt reaction from the neighboring government.

Alliance Coordination

Lithuania plans to consult its allies over the threat posed from the balloons and may discuss activating Nato's Article 4 - a protocol allowing member state consultation regarding security matters, particularly involving territorial protection - officials noted.

Travel Impacts

Aviation hubs faced multiple shutdowns at the weekend due to weather balloons crossing the international border, impacting over hundred flights and thousands of travelers, based on regional media reports.

Earlier this month, multiple aerial devices crossed into Lithuanian airspace, leading to 30 flight cancellations affecting 6,000 passengers, according to emergency management officials.

This situation represents ongoing challenges: by autumn measurements, hundreds of aerial devices documented crossing borders across the frontier in recent months, according to official statements, with nearly thousand incidents during previous year.

European Context

International air travel hubs - such as Scandinavian and German locations - faced comparable aviation security challenges, with unauthorized drone observations, during current period.