🔗 Share this article

Authorities have decided to shoot down helium balloons carrying illicit goods from Belarus, the country's leader announced.

This decision follows after foreign objects crossing the border forced Vilnius Airport to close repeatedly in recent days, affecting holiday travel, accompanied by temporary closures of Belarus border crossings temporarily each time.

Frontier crossing points remain suspended indefinitely in response to the helium weather balloons.

According to official declarations, "our nation stands prepared to implement even the most severe actions when our airspace is violated."

Government Response

Outlining the strategy to media, officials stated defense units were executing "all necessary measures" to intercept unauthorized devices.

Regarding frontier restrictions, Ruginiene said diplomats will still be able to travel across the international border, with special provisions for EU and Lithuanian nationals, however general movement continues suspended.

"In this way, we are sending a signal to Belarus and saying that no hybrid attack will be tolerated across our nation, employing comprehensive defensive actions to stop such attacks," the Prime Minister emphasized.

There has been no immediate response from the neighboring government.

International Consultation

Lithuania plans to consult its allies 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, specifically concerning defense matters - she added.

Airport Disruptions

Aviation hubs faced multiple shutdowns during holiday periods from balloon incidents crossing the international border, disrupting air transport and passenger movement, based on regional media reports.

During the current month, 25 balloons entered Lithuania from Belarus, causing dozens of flight disruptions impacting thousands, Lithuania's National Crisis Management Centre told the BBC.

These incidents continue previous patterns: as of 6 October, 544 balloons were recorded entering Lithuania from neighboring territory during current year, an NCMC spokesman said, while 966 were recorded last year.

International Perspective

Other European airports - covering northern and central European sites - have also been affected by air incursions, including drone sightings, over past months.