🔗 Share this article

Lithuania will begin to eliminate aerial devices transporting contraband tobacco across the border, the country's leader announced.

The measure comes after foreign objects crossing the border disrupted air traffic multiple times over the past week, including at the weekend, while authorities suspended frontier checkpoints during these events.

International border access continues restricted following repeated balloon incursions.

According to official declarations, "we are ready to take the strictest possible measures when our airspace is violated."

Government Response

Detailing the measures during a briefing, the Prime Minister confirmed military forces were implementing "every required action" to intercept unauthorized devices.

Concerning border measures, Ruginiene said diplomats will still be able to travel for cross-border diplomatic missions, with special provisions for EU and Lithuanian nationals, but no other movement will be allowed.

"This represents our clear message to foreign authorities stating that asymmetric operations face opposition here, and we will take all the strictest measures to stop such attacks," government officials declared.

Official communications saw no quick answer from Belarus.

International Consultation

Authorities will discuss with international allies regarding the aerial device concerns with possible discussions about implementing the alliance's consultation mechanism - a provision enabling alliance discussion about national security issues, especially related to its security - she added.

Travel Impacts

Lithuanian airports were closed three times over the weekend because of aerial devices crossing the international border, disrupting air transport and passenger movement, based on regional media reports.

In recent weeks, multiple aerial devices crossed into Lithuanian airspace, causing dozens of flight disruptions impacting thousands, according to emergency management officials.

This situation represents ongoing challenges: by autumn measurements, 544 balloons were recorded entering Lithuania across the frontier in recent months, according to official statements, compared to higher numbers in prior period.

Regional Situation

International air travel hubs - covering northern and central European sites - experienced similar aerial disruptions, with unauthorized drone observations, in recent weeks.