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The Baltic nation plans to shoot down aerial devices transporting illicit goods from Belarus, the country's leader announced.

This action responds after balloons entering Lithuanian airspace disrupted air traffic repeatedly in recent days, including at the weekend, accompanied by temporary closures of cross-border movement during each incident.

Frontier crossing points remain suspended indefinitely following repeated balloon incursions.

Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene said, "authorities will not hesitate to employ even the most severe actions when our airspace is violated."

Government Response

Outlining the strategy to media, officials stated defense units were executing "complete operational protocols" to intercept unauthorized devices.

Concerning border measures, Ruginiene said diplomats will still be able to travel for cross-border diplomatic missions, while European Union nationals and Lithuanian residents retain entry rights, though all other travel remains prohibited.

"Through these actions, we communicate to Belarus and saying that no hybrid attack will be tolerated here, and we will take all the strictest measures to prevent similar incidents," the Prime Minister emphasized.

Authorities received no prompt reaction from the neighboring government.

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 request for consultation by a Nato member country about national security issues, particularly involving territorial protection - officials noted.

Travel Impacts

Lithuanian airports were closed three times over the weekend because of aerial devices from Belarus, impacting over hundred flights and thousands of travelers, based on regional media reports.

In recent weeks, multiple aerial devices crossed into Lithuanian airspace, causing dozens of flight disruptions impacting thousands, according to emergency management officials.

The phenomenon is not new: as of 6 October, numerous unauthorized objects tracked entering airspace from neighboring territory during current year, per government spokesperson comments, while 966 were recorded last year.

International Perspective

Other European airports - covering northern and central European sites - have also been affected by air incursions, including drone sightings, over past months.