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Lithuania will begin to eliminate balloons used to smuggle cigarettes from neighbouring Belarus, its prime minister has warned.

The measure comes after foreign objects crossing the border disrupted air traffic on several occasions recently, with weekend disruptions, while authorities suspended Belarus border crossings temporarily each time.

Border checkpoints will now be closed indefinitely in response to the helium weather balloons.

According to official declarations, "authorities will not hesitate to employ maximum response protocols against airspace violations."

National Security Actions

Outlining the strategy to media, Ruginiene said the army was taking "all necessary measures" to shoot down balloons.

Concerning border measures, Ruginiene said diplomats will still be able to travel between the two countries, with special provisions for EU and Lithuanian nationals, though all other travel remains prohibited.

"In this way, we are sending a signal to the neighboring nation declaring that unconventional threats won't be accepted within our territory, and we'll implement maximum countermeasures to prevent similar incidents," government officials declared.

Official communications saw no quick answer from Minsk officials.

Diplomatic Measures

The Baltic nation intends to coordinate with partners over the threat posed from the balloons with possible discussions about implementing the alliance's consultation mechanism - a provision enabling alliance discussion regarding security matters, specifically concerning defense matters - she added.

Travel Impacts

Aviation hubs faced multiple shutdowns during holiday periods from balloon incidents from Belarus, disrupting air transport and passenger movement, per transportation authority data.

Earlier this month, multiple aerial devices crossed into Lithuanian airspace, leading to 30 flight cancellations affecting 6,000 passengers, per national security agency reports.

This situation represents ongoing challenges: through early October, 544 balloons were recorded entering Lithuania from neighboring territory during current year, according to official statements, compared to higher numbers in prior period.

International Perspective

Other European airports - including in Copenhagen and Munich - experienced similar aerial disruptions, with unauthorized drone observations, in recent weeks.