🔗 Share this article

Authorities have decided to shoot down helium balloons carrying cigarettes from neighbouring Belarus, its prime minister has warned.

This decision follows after foreign objects crossing the border disrupted air traffic repeatedly in recent days, affecting holiday travel, with the government also closing frontier checkpoints during these events.

Frontier crossing points remain suspended indefinitely due to the ongoing aerial incidents.

Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene said, "our nation stands prepared to implement maximum response protocols when our airspace is violated."

Official Measures

Outlining the strategy to media, the Prime Minister confirmed military forces were implementing "all necessary measures" to intercept unauthorized devices.

Regarding frontier restrictions, the Prime Minister confirmed diplomatic movement continues 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 the neighboring nation declaring that unconventional threats won't be accepted across our nation, employing comprehensive defensive actions to stop such attacks," she said.

Official communications saw no quick answer from Belarus.

International Consultation

The Baltic nation intends to coordinate with partners about the security challenges presented with possible discussions about implementing Nato's Article 4 - a request for consultation by a Nato member country about national security issues, particularly involving territorial protection - the Prime Minister concluded.

Travel Impacts

Aviation hubs faced multiple shutdowns during holiday periods from balloon incidents originating from neighboring territory, disrupting air transport and passenger movement, according to Baltic News Service.

In recent weeks, 25 balloons entered Lithuania from Belarus, causing dozens of flight disruptions impacting thousands, per national security agency reports.

These incidents continue previous patterns: by autumn measurements, hundreds of aerial devices documented crossing borders across the frontier in recent months, according to official statements, while 966 were recorded last year.

Regional Situation

Other European airports - such as Scandinavian and German locations - have also been affected by air incursions, with unauthorized drone observations, during current period.