The Lithuanian government has declared a 'nationwide emergency situation' in response to a series of incursions from neighboring Belarus by weather balloons carrying smuggled cigarettes. Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene condemned the balloon incursions as a 'hybrid attack' by Belarus that posed a real risk to national security and civil aviation.
This year alone, officials say about 600 balloons linked to smuggling and almost 200 drones have entered Lithuanian airspace, leading to the repeated closure of Vilnius airport.
Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko denies being behind the incursions, alleging the issue has been 'politicised' by Lithuania, which is a member of both the EU and NATO.
Lithuania's decision to impose an 'emergency situation' is a step below a state of emergency, which was last imposed in 2022 after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. It grants the armed forces additional powers to respond faster and more effectively.
Lukashenko, a close ally of Russia's Vladimir Putin, termed the accusations a misunderstanding of the reality, suggesting that such balloon flights are misguided.
The government has intensified its stance against Belarus, implementing stronger border controls and stating that these actions could potentially be classified as terrorism. As the regional tensions rise, the implications for security and air travel persist, bringing challenges for both nations and their relations.
This year alone, officials say about 600 balloons linked to smuggling and almost 200 drones have entered Lithuanian airspace, leading to the repeated closure of Vilnius airport.
Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko denies being behind the incursions, alleging the issue has been 'politicised' by Lithuania, which is a member of both the EU and NATO.
Lithuania's decision to impose an 'emergency situation' is a step below a state of emergency, which was last imposed in 2022 after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. It grants the armed forces additional powers to respond faster and more effectively.
Lukashenko, a close ally of Russia's Vladimir Putin, termed the accusations a misunderstanding of the reality, suggesting that such balloon flights are misguided.
The government has intensified its stance against Belarus, implementing stronger border controls and stating that these actions could potentially be classified as terrorism. As the regional tensions rise, the implications for security and air travel persist, bringing challenges for both nations and their relations.
