🔗 Share this article

The Baltic nation plans to intercept and destroy aerial devices transporting cigarettes from neighbouring Belarus, its prime minister has warned.

This decision follows after unauthorized aerial incursions forced Vilnius Airport to close multiple times over the past week, affecting holiday travel, accompanied by temporary closures of frontier checkpoints during these events.

International border access continues restricted following repeated balloon incursions.

According to official declarations, "our nation stands prepared to implement maximum response protocols against airspace violations."

Official Measures

Announcing the actions at a press conference, Ruginiene said the army was taking "every required action" to eliminate aerial threats.

Regarding frontier restrictions, the Prime Minister confirmed diplomatic movement continues between the two countries, with special provisions for EU and Lithuanian nationals, though all other travel remains prohibited.

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

Official communications saw no quick answer from the neighboring government.

Diplomatic Measures

Authorities will discuss with international allies about the security challenges presented with possible discussions about implementing the NATO consultation clause - a provision enabling alliance discussion about national security issues, specifically concerning defense matters - officials noted.

Airport Disruptions

National air facilities experienced triple closures at the weekend due to weather balloons from Belarus, disrupting air transport and passenger movement, based on regional media reports.

Earlier this month, 25 balloons entered Lithuania from Belarus, causing dozens of flight disruptions impacting thousands, according to emergency management officials.

These incidents continue previous patterns: as of 6 October, hundreds of aerial devices documented crossing borders across the frontier in recent months, according to official statements, compared to higher numbers in prior period.

Regional Situation

Additional aviation facilities - such as Scandinavian and German locations - experienced similar aerial disruptions, with unauthorized drone observations, over past months.