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Authorities have decided to eliminate balloons used to smuggle contraband tobacco across the border, the country's leader announced.

The measure comes after balloons entering Lithuanian airspace forced Vilnius Airport to close multiple times over the past week, with weekend disruptions, accompanied by temporary closures of frontier checkpoints during these events.

International border access continues restricted following repeated balloon incursions.

The government leader stated, "our nation stands prepared to implement even the most severe actions against airspace violations."

Government Response

Outlining the strategy to media, Ruginiene said the army was taking "all necessary measures" to intercept unauthorized devices.

Concerning border measures, Ruginiene said diplomats will still be able to travel across the international border, while European Union nationals and Lithuanian residents retain entry rights, however general movement continues suspended.

"Through these actions, we communicate to foreign authorities and saying that no hybrid attack will be tolerated across our nation, employing comprehensive defensive actions to halt these operations," government officials declared.

There has been no immediate response from Minsk officials.

Alliance Coordination

Authorities will discuss with international allies about the security challenges presented and may discuss activating Nato's Article 4 - a provision enabling alliance discussion on any issue of concern, especially related to its security - she added.

Flight Cancellations

Lithuanian airports were closed three times during holiday periods from balloon incidents 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, causing dozens of flight disruptions impacting thousands, per national security agency reports.

These incidents continue previous patterns: through early October, hundreds of aerial devices documented crossing borders from neighboring territory during current year, according to official statements, compared to higher numbers in prior period.

International Perspective

Additional aviation facilities - covering northern and central European sites - faced comparable aviation security challenges, with unauthorized drone observations, over past months.