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Authorities have decided to eliminate helium balloons carrying illicit goods from Belarus, its prime minister has warned.

This action responds after unauthorized aerial incursions necessitated airport closures multiple times over the past week, with weekend disruptions, while authorities suspended Belarus border crossings temporarily each time.

International border access continues restricted due to the ongoing aerial incidents.

According to official declarations, "our nation stands prepared to implement the strictest possible measures during unauthorized aerial intrusions."

Government Response

Detailing the measures during a briefing, officials stated defense units were executing "all necessary measures" to intercept unauthorized devices.

About the border closure, Ruginiene said diplomats will still be able to travel for cross-border diplomatic missions, and EU citizens and Lithuanians can enter from Belarus, however general movement continues suspended.

"This represents our clear message to the neighboring nation stating that asymmetric operations face opposition within our territory, and we'll implement maximum countermeasures to prevent similar incidents," she said.

Official communications saw no quick answer from Belarus.

Alliance Coordination

Lithuania plans to consult its allies over the threat posed from the balloons and may discuss activating Nato's Article 4 - a provision enabling alliance discussion about national security issues, especially related to its security - she added.

Airport Disruptions

Aviation hubs faced multiple shutdowns during holiday periods from balloon incidents from Belarus, 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, according to emergency management officials.

These incidents continue previous patterns: as of 6 October, numerous unauthorized objects tracked entering airspace from neighboring territory during current year, according to official statements, with nearly thousand incidents during previous year.

Regional Situation

International air travel hubs - covering northern and central European sites - experienced similar aerial disruptions, with unauthorized drone observations, in recent weeks.