Lithuania Authorizes Shooting Down Smuggling Balloons from Belarus
Lithuania’s prime minister has approved measures to intercept balloons carrying illicit goods across the border from Belarus, labeling the incidents as destabilizing actions that mirror tactics used by Russia.
Recent balloon incursions transporting illegal cigarettes led to multiple disruptions, including temporary closures of Vilnius Airport and border checkpoints with Belarus.
“We have no choice but to implement the strictest possible measures,” Inga Ruginienė stated on Monday, noting that her government may also consider invoking NATO’s Article 4 to request alliance consultations.
While Lithuanian officials attribute the balloons to smuggling operations, they hold Belarusian authorities, led by longtime leader Alexander Lukashenko—an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin—accountable for failing to prevent them.
Ruginienė described the incidents as part of a broader pattern of destabilization and announced restrictions at border crossings, permitting only diplomatic travel and EU citizens exiting Belarus.
Flight operations at Vilnius Airport faced major disruptions last Friday and Saturday due to unauthorized balloon sightings, causing numerous cancellations and diversions. Similar incidents occurred earlier in the week, leading to temporary shutdowns at Lithuania’s Medininkai and Šalčininkai border posts.
Lithuania, which shares borders with Belarus and Russia’s Kaliningrad region, also protested an alleged airspace violation by two Russian military aircraft last Thursday. The defense ministry reported that a Sukhoi SU-30 fighter and an IL-78 tanker entered Lithuanian airspace for roughly 700 meters (2,300ft) before exiting after 18 seconds—likely during a refueling drill.
The foreign ministry summoned Russia’s envoy, issuing a formal protest while demanding an immediate explanation and assurances against future occurrences. Moscow denied the incursion, insisting its flights adhered to airspace regulations without breaching foreign borders.
As NATO members and staunch supporters of Ukraine, the Baltic states have faced repeated violations by Russian aircraft and drones. In September, three Russian MiG-31 jets entered Estonian airspace for 12 minutes.
European air traffic has been repeatedly disrupted in recent weeks by unauthorized drone sightings and other intrusions, including at airports in Copenhagen, Munich, and the Baltic region. Russian officials have consistently denied responsibility.
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