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Lithuania will begin to intercept and destroy helium balloons carrying illicit goods from Belarus, the country's leader announced.

This action responds after unauthorized aerial incursions forced Vilnius Airport to close repeatedly in recent days, with weekend disruptions, while authorities suspended Belarus border crossings temporarily each time.

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, Ruginiene said the army was taking "all necessary measures" to eliminate aerial threats.

Regarding frontier restrictions, officials noted embassy personnel maintain access between the two countries, with special provisions for EU and Lithuanian nationals, though all other travel remains prohibited.

"Through these actions, we communicate to the neighboring nation and saying that no hybrid attack will be tolerated within our territory, and we'll implement maximum countermeasures to stop such attacks," the Prime Minister emphasized.

There has been no immediate response from Belarus.

Diplomatic Measures

The Baltic nation intends to coordinate with partners over the threat posed from the balloons and may discuss activating Nato's Article 4 - a protocol allowing member state consultation on any issue of concern, specifically concerning defense matters - the Prime Minister concluded.

Flight Cancellations

National air facilities experienced triple closures at the weekend due to weather balloons originating from neighboring territory, disrupting air transport and passenger movement, according to Baltic News Service.

During the current month, multiple aerial devices crossed into Lithuanian airspace, causing dozens of flight disruptions impacting thousands, per national security agency reports.

These incidents continue previous patterns: through early October, numerous unauthorized objects tracked entering airspace across the frontier in recent months, according to official statements, compared to higher numbers in prior period.

Regional Situation

Additional aviation facilities - including in Copenhagen and Munich - have also been affected by air incursions, including drone sightings, over past months.