Lithuania is prepared to take decisive action, including shooting down balloons, to prevent the smuggling of cigarettes from Belarus. Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene has declared the country’s readiness to implement the ‘strictest measures’ in response to violations of its airspace.
The move comes after a series of incidents where balloons entering Lithuanian airspace led to significant disruptions at Vilnius Airport, causing multiple closures over the past week. In response to these disruptions and the perceived ‘hybrid attack’, Lithuania has also temporarily closed its border crossings with Belarus.
Prime Minister Ruginiene stated at a press conference that the military is taking ‘all necessary measures’ to intercept these balloons, which are believed to be carrying contraband. She emphasized that such actions are a clear signal to Belarus that hybrid attacks will not be tolerated.
The indefinite closure of border checkpoints is a significant step, though diplomats and EU citizens, along with Lithuanians entering from Belarus, will still be permitted to cross. The Prime Minister also indicated that Lithuania would consult with its allies, potentially invoking NATO’s Article 4, which allows for consultations on security concerns.
These disruptions are not isolated; similar incidents involving air incursions, including drone sightings, have been reported at other European airports in recent weeks. Lithuanian airports alone have faced numerous closures due to these balloons, impacting thousands of flights and passengers. This year, hundreds of balloons have been detected entering Lithuania from Belarus, a trend that has been ongoing for some time.