The Lithuanian government plans to eliminate illicit aerial devices, PM warns.

The Baltic nation plans to eliminate helium balloons carrying cigarettes from neighbouring Belarus, its prime minister has warned.

The measure comes after balloons entering Lithuanian airspace disrupted air traffic repeatedly in recent days, with weekend disruptions, accompanied by temporary closures of cross-border movement during each incident.

Frontier crossing points remain suspended indefinitely due to the ongoing aerial incidents.

The government leader stated, "we are ready to take the strictest possible measures during unauthorized aerial intrusions."

Official Measures

Detailing the measures during a briefing, Ruginiene said the army was taking "complete operational protocols" to shoot down balloons.

Regarding frontier restrictions, Ruginiene said diplomats will still be able to travel across the international border, and EU citizens and Lithuanians can enter from Belarus, but no other movement will be allowed.

"Through these actions, we communicate to foreign authorities and saying that no hybrid attack will be tolerated across our nation, employing comprehensive defensive actions to prevent similar incidents," government officials declared.

Authorities received no prompt reaction from the neighboring government.

Alliance Coordination

Authorities will discuss with international allies about the security challenges presented with possible discussions about implementing the NATO consultation clause - a provision enabling alliance discussion on any issue of concern, specifically concerning defense matters - the Prime Minister concluded.

Airport Disruptions

National air facilities experienced triple closures during holiday periods from balloon incidents from Belarus, impacting over hundred flights and thousands of travelers, 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.

These incidents continue previous patterns: through early October, hundreds of aerial devices documented crossing borders across the frontier in recent months, according to official statements, with nearly thousand incidents during previous year.

Regional Situation

International air travel hubs - covering northern and central European sites - experienced similar aerial disruptions, including drone sightings, over past months.