Lithuania's Prime Minister, Inga Ruginiene, has announced that the country will begin shooting down balloons used for smuggling cigarettes from neighboring Belarus. This decision follows multiple closures of Vilnius Airport and temporary closures of border crossings over the past week due to balloons entering Lithuanian airspace. In response, border checkpoints with Belarus have been closed indefinitely.
Prime Minister Ruginiene stated that Lithuania is prepared to take "the most severe actions" when its airspace is violated. During a press conference on Monday, she confirmed that the army is implementing "all necessary measures" to shoot down these balloons.
Border Closure Details
Regarding the indefinite border closure, Prime Minister Ruginiene clarified that diplomats, EU citizens, and Lithuanians will still be permitted to enter from Belarus. However, other forms of movement between the two countries will be restricted. She characterized these measures as a signal to Belarus, indicating that hybrid attacks will not be tolerated and that the strictest actions will be taken to prevent them. There has been no immediate response from Belarus.
International Consultation
Lithuania plans to consult its allies regarding the challenges presented by the balloons. The country may also discuss the potential activation of NATO's Article 4, which allows a member country to request consultations on any issue of concern, particularly those related to its security.