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Authorities have decided to eliminate balloons used to smuggle cigarettes from neighbouring Belarus, its prime minister has warned.

This action responds after foreign objects crossing the border forced Vilnius Airport to close multiple times over the past week, including at the weekend, accompanied by temporary closures of frontier checkpoints during these events.

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

The government leader stated, "we are ready to take the strictest possible measures against airspace violations."

National Security Actions

Detailing the measures during a briefing, Ruginiene said the army was taking "all necessary measures" to eliminate aerial threats.

About the border closure, Ruginiene said diplomats will still be able to travel between the two countries, while European Union nationals and Lithuanian residents retain entry rights, though all other travel remains prohibited.

"In this way, we are sending a signal to foreign authorities stating that asymmetric operations face opposition across our nation, employing comprehensive defensive actions to prevent similar incidents," she said.

There has been no immediate response from the neighboring government.

International Consultation

Lithuania plans to consult its allies regarding the aerial device concerns with possible discussions about implementing the NATO consultation clause - a request for consultation by a Nato member country regarding security matters, specifically concerning defense matters - the Prime Minister concluded.

Travel Impacts

National air facilities experienced triple closures over the weekend because of aerial devices from Belarus, disrupting air transport and passenger movement, based on regional media reports.

In recent weeks, 25 balloons entered Lithuania from Belarus, resulting in numerous canceled flights and passenger inconveniences, 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, with nearly thousand incidents during previous year.

Regional Situation

Additional aviation facilities - covering northern and central European sites - have also been affected by air incursions, including drone sightings, over past months.