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Lithuania will begin to eliminate balloons used to smuggle illicit goods from Belarus, the country's leader announced.

This action responds after foreign objects crossing the border forced Vilnius Airport to close multiple times over the past week, with weekend disruptions, accompanied by temporary closures of cross-border movement during each incident.

Border checkpoints will now be closed indefinitely due to the ongoing aerial incidents.

Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene said, "our nation stands prepared to implement even the most severe actions against airspace violations."

National Security Actions

Detailing the measures during a briefing, officials stated defense units were executing "all necessary measures" to eliminate aerial threats.

About the border closure, the Prime Minister confirmed diplomatic movement continues across the international border, and EU citizens and Lithuanians can enter from Belarus, though all other travel remains prohibited.

"In this way, we are sending a signal to Belarus declaring that unconventional threats won't be accepted within our territory, and we'll implement maximum countermeasures to stop such attacks," the Prime Minister emphasized.

Authorities received no prompt reaction from the neighboring government.

International Consultation

Lithuania plans to consult its allies about the security challenges presented and may discuss activating Nato's Article 4 - a protocol allowing member state consultation regarding security matters, especially related to its security - she added.

Flight Cancellations

Aviation hubs faced multiple shutdowns at the weekend due to weather balloons originating from neighboring territory, impacting over hundred flights and thousands of travelers, based on regional media reports.

Earlier this month, 25 balloons entered Lithuania from Belarus, causing dozens of flight disruptions impacting thousands, Lithuania's National Crisis Management Centre told the BBC.

These incidents continue previous patterns: by autumn measurements, numerous unauthorized objects tracked entering airspace from neighboring territory during current year, according to official statements, compared to higher numbers in prior period.

International Perspective

International air travel hubs - covering northern and central European sites - faced comparable aviation security challenges, with unauthorized drone observations, in recent weeks.