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The Baltic nation plans to shoot down balloons used to smuggle illicit goods from Belarus, government officials confirmed.

This decision follows after balloons entering Lithuanian airspace disrupted air traffic repeatedly in recent days, including at the weekend, accompanied by temporary closures of cross-border movement during each incident.

International border access continues restricted following repeated balloon incursions.

Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene said, "authorities will not hesitate to employ the strictest possible measures during unauthorized aerial intrusions."

Official Measures

Detailing the measures during a briefing, officials stated defense units were executing "complete operational protocols" to shoot down balloons.

Regarding frontier restrictions, officials noted embassy personnel maintain access for cross-border diplomatic missions, with special provisions for EU and Lithuanian nationals, however general movement continues suspended.

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

Authorities received no prompt reaction from Minsk officials.

Alliance Coordination

Authorities will discuss with international allies over the threat posed from the balloons and may discuss activating the NATO consultation clause - a protocol allowing member state consultation about national security issues, particularly involving territorial protection - officials noted.

Airport Disruptions

National air facilities experienced triple closures during holiday periods from balloon incidents originating from neighboring territory, disrupting air transport and passenger movement, based on regional media reports.

In recent weeks, multiple aerial devices crossed into Lithuanian airspace, causing dozens of flight disruptions impacting thousands, per national security agency reports.

This situation represents ongoing challenges: by autumn measurements, hundreds of aerial devices documented crossing borders across the frontier in recent months, according to official statements, while 966 were recorded last year.

International Perspective

Other European airports - including in Copenhagen and Munich - experienced similar aerial disruptions, involving unmanned aerial vehicles, in recent weeks.