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Lithuania will begin to intercept and destroy aerial devices transporting cigarettes from neighbouring Belarus, government officials confirmed.

This action responds after unauthorized aerial incursions forced Vilnius Airport to close repeatedly in recent days, including at the weekend, with the government also closing frontier checkpoints during these events.

Border checkpoints will now be closed indefinitely following repeated balloon incursions.

Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene said, "our nation stands prepared to implement maximum response protocols during unauthorized aerial intrusions."

Government Response

Outlining the strategy to media, Ruginiene said the army was taking "every required action" to shoot down balloons.

Regarding frontier restrictions, the Prime Minister confirmed diplomatic movement continues across the international border, while European Union nationals and Lithuanian residents retain entry rights, though all other travel remains prohibited.

"This represents our clear message to Belarus declaring that unconventional threats won't be accepted here, and we will take all the strictest measures to prevent similar incidents," the Prime Minister emphasized.

Authorities received no prompt reaction from the neighboring government.

Diplomatic Measures

Lithuania plans to consult its allies over the threat posed from the balloons with possible discussions about implementing the NATO consultation clause - a request for consultation by a Nato member country on any issue of concern, specifically concerning defense matters - the Prime Minister concluded.

Airport Disruptions

Lithuanian airports were closed three times at the weekend due to weather balloons originating from neighboring territory, disrupting air transport and passenger movement, based on regional media reports.

Earlier this month, several unauthorized objects traversed the border, leading to 30 flight cancellations affecting 6,000 passengers, 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, per government spokesperson comments, while 966 were recorded last year.

International Perspective

International air travel hubs - including in Copenhagen and Munich - faced comparable aviation security challenges, with unauthorized drone observations, over past months.