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Authorities have decided to eliminate balloons used to smuggle illicit goods from Belarus, government officials confirmed.

The measure comes after foreign objects crossing the border disrupted air traffic repeatedly in recent days, affecting holiday travel, while authorities suspended frontier checkpoints during these events.

Frontier crossing points remain suspended indefinitely following repeated balloon incursions.

According to official declarations, "we are ready to take even the most severe actions when our airspace is violated."

Official Measures

Announcing the actions at a press conference, Ruginiene said the army was taking "every required action" to shoot down balloons.

Regarding frontier restrictions, the Prime Minister confirmed diplomatic movement continues between the two countries, while European Union nationals and Lithuanian residents retain entry rights, but no other movement will be allowed.

"This represents our clear message to Belarus declaring that unconventional threats won't be accepted across our nation, employing comprehensive defensive actions to halt these operations," she said.

Authorities received no prompt reaction from the neighboring government.

Diplomatic Measures

Lithuania plans to consult its allies over the threat posed from the balloons with possible discussions about implementing Nato's Article 4 - a protocol allowing member state consultation regarding security matters, especially related to its security - officials noted.

Flight Cancellations

Lithuanian airports were closed three times over the weekend because of aerial devices crossing the international border, impacting over hundred flights and thousands of travelers, per transportation authority data.

During the current month, 25 balloons entered Lithuania from Belarus, leading to 30 flight cancellations affecting 6,000 passengers, Lithuania's National Crisis Management Centre told the BBC.

The phenomenon is not new: as of 6 October, hundreds of aerial devices documented crossing borders from Belarus this year, according to official statements, while 966 were recorded last year.

Regional Situation

Other European airports - such as Scandinavian and German locations - experienced similar aerial disruptions, involving unmanned aerial vehicles, in recent weeks.