🔗 Share this article

Lithuania will begin to intercept and destroy helium balloons carrying contraband tobacco across the border, the country's leader announced.

The measure comes after balloons entering Lithuanian airspace forced Vilnius Airport to close repeatedly in recent days, including at the weekend, while authorities suspended Belarus border crossings temporarily each time.

International border access continues restricted due to the ongoing aerial incidents.

Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene said, "our nation stands prepared to implement the strictest possible measures when our airspace is violated."

Government Response

Outlining the strategy to media, Ruginiene said the army was taking "all necessary measures" to shoot down balloons.

About the border closure, Ruginiene said diplomats will still be able to travel between the two countries, with special provisions for EU and Lithuanian nationals, but no other movement will be allowed.

"This represents our clear message to foreign authorities declaring that unconventional threats won't be accepted here, and we will take all the strictest measures to halt these operations," government officials declared.

There has been no immediate response from the neighboring government.

International Consultation

Authorities will discuss with international allies regarding the aerial device concerns with possible discussions about implementing the NATO consultation clause - a protocol allowing member state consultation regarding security matters, specifically concerning defense matters - the Prime Minister concluded.

Flight Cancellations

National air facilities experienced triple closures over the weekend because of aerial devices originating from neighboring territory, disrupting air transport and passenger movement, per transportation authority data.

Earlier this month, several unauthorized objects traversed the border, resulting in numerous canceled flights and passenger inconveniences, Lithuania's National Crisis Management Centre told the BBC.

This situation represents ongoing challenges: through early October, 544 balloons were recorded entering Lithuania 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 - experienced similar aerial disruptions, involving unmanned aerial vehicles, over past months.