🔗 Share this article

The Baltic nation plans to eliminate helium balloons carrying illicit goods from Belarus, its prime minister has warned.

The measure comes after foreign objects crossing the border forced Vilnius Airport to close on several occasions recently, including at the weekend, with the government also closing cross-border movement during each incident.

Frontier crossing points remain suspended indefinitely following repeated balloon incursions.

Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene said, "our nation stands prepared to implement maximum response protocols against airspace violations."

Official Measures

Announcing the actions at a press conference, the Prime Minister confirmed military forces were implementing "all necessary measures" to shoot down balloons.

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 the neighboring nation and saying that no hybrid attack will be tolerated across our nation, employing comprehensive defensive actions to prevent similar incidents," she said.

Authorities received no prompt reaction from Belarus.

Diplomatic Measures

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 regarding security matters, particularly involving territorial protection - officials noted.

Travel Impacts

Lithuanian airports were closed three times over the weekend because of aerial devices originating from neighboring territory, affecting 112 flights and more than 16,500 passengers, per transportation authority data.

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

This situation represents ongoing challenges: as of 6 October, 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 - experienced similar aerial disruptions, including drone sightings, over past months.