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The Baltic nation plans to shoot down helium balloons carrying cigarettes from neighbouring Belarus, government officials confirmed.

This decision follows after balloons entering Lithuanian airspace disrupted air traffic on several occasions recently, with weekend disruptions, accompanied by temporary closures of frontier checkpoints during these events.

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

The government leader stated, "we are ready to take even the most severe actions against airspace violations."

Government Response

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

About the border closure, officials noted embassy personnel maintain access across the international border, with special provisions for EU and Lithuanian nationals, though all other travel remains prohibited.

"In this way, we are sending a signal to foreign authorities declaring that unconventional threats won't be accepted within our territory, and we'll implement maximum countermeasures to stop such attacks," government officials declared.

Official communications saw no quick answer from Belarus.

International Consultation

The Baltic nation intends to coordinate with partners over the threat posed from the balloons with possible discussions about implementing Nato's Article 4 - a request for consultation by a Nato member country on any issue of concern, particularly involving territorial protection - the Prime Minister concluded.

Travel Impacts

Lithuanian airports were closed three times at the weekend due to weather balloons from Belarus, impacting over hundred flights and thousands of travelers, based on regional media reports.

During the current month, 25 balloons entered Lithuania from Belarus, resulting in numerous canceled flights and passenger inconveniences, per national security agency reports.

These incidents continue previous patterns: as of 6 October, hundreds of aerial devices documented crossing borders from neighboring territory during current year, per government spokesperson comments, while 966 were recorded last year.

European Context

Other European airports - such as Scandinavian and German locations - have also been affected by air incursions, including drone sightings, over past months.