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Lithuania will begin to intercept and destroy helium balloons carrying illicit goods from Belarus, its prime minister has warned.

This action responds after unauthorized aerial incursions necessitated airport closures repeatedly in recent days, with weekend disruptions, while authorities suspended cross-border movement during each incident.

International border access continues restricted due to the ongoing aerial incidents.

Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene said, "authorities will not hesitate to employ maximum response protocols when our airspace is violated."

Official Measures

Announcing the actions at a press conference, officials stated defense units were executing "every required action" to shoot down balloons.

Concerning border measures, the Prime Minister confirmed diplomatic movement continues across the international border, while European Union nationals and Lithuanian residents retain entry rights, though all other travel remains prohibited.

"Through these actions, we communicate 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 Belarus.

Alliance Coordination

Authorities will discuss with international allies over the threat posed from the balloons and may discuss activating the NATO consultation clause - a request for consultation by a Nato member country on any issue of concern, especially related to its security - the Prime Minister concluded.

Airport Disruptions

Lithuanian airports were closed three times during holiday periods from balloon incidents from Belarus, affecting 112 flights and more than 16,500 passengers, according to Baltic News Service.

Earlier this month, 25 balloons entered Lithuania from Belarus, leading to 30 flight cancellations affecting 6,000 passengers, per national security agency reports.

These incidents continue previous patterns: through early October, 544 balloons were recorded entering Lithuania from Belarus this year, according to official statements, compared to higher numbers in prior period.

Regional Situation

Other European airports - including in Copenhagen and Munich - have also been affected by air incursions, with unauthorized drone observations, over past months.