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Authorities have decided to shoot down helium balloons carrying cigarettes from neighbouring Belarus, government officials confirmed.

This decision follows after foreign objects crossing the border necessitated airport closures multiple times over the past week, affecting holiday travel, while authorities suspended cross-border movement during each incident.

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

According to official declarations, "we are ready to take the strictest possible measures against airspace violations."

National Security Actions

Detailing the measures during a briefing, officials stated defense units were executing "every required action" to eliminate aerial threats.

Regarding frontier restrictions, Ruginiene said diplomats will still be able to travel between the two countries, and EU citizens and Lithuanians can enter from Belarus, however general movement continues suspended.

"This represents our clear message to foreign authorities declaring that unconventional threats won't be accepted here, and we will take all the strictest measures to halt these operations," government officials declared.

Official communications saw no quick answer from Belarus.

Diplomatic Measures

The Baltic nation intends to coordinate with partners about the security challenges presented with possible discussions about implementing Nato's Article 4 - a provision enabling alliance discussion on any issue of concern, particularly involving territorial protection - she added.

Airport Disruptions

National air facilities experienced triple closures at the weekend due to weather balloons crossing the international border, disrupting air transport and passenger movement, according to Baltic News Service.

In recent weeks, 25 balloons entered Lithuania from Belarus, leading to 30 flight cancellations affecting 6,000 passengers, per national security agency reports.

These incidents continue previous patterns: by autumn measurements, numerous unauthorized objects tracked entering airspace from Belarus this year, per government spokesperson comments, compared to higher numbers in prior period.

International Perspective

Additional aviation facilities - including in Copenhagen and Munich - have also been affected by air incursions, including drone sightings, in recent weeks.