Lithuania has declared a “nationwide emergency situation” after weather balloons from Belarus entered its territory carrying smuggled cigarettes. The government took the step after repeated airspace violations created serious security concerns.
Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene condemned the incursions and said the balloons threaten both national security and civil aviation. Officials reported that nearly 600 smuggling-related balloons and about 200 drones have crossed into Lithuania so far this year. As a result, Vilnius Airport has repeatedly shut down.
Although the alert level is significant, it falls below a state of emergency, which Lithuania last imposed in 2022 following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Belarus Rejects Responsibility
However, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko denied any involvement. He accused Lithuania of exaggerating the situation for political purposes.
“It is unrealistic. Even if balloons flew into there, even if they did, I have spoken to pilots and they say that they pose no problem. The question arises why? Do they want to fight us? We do not need war. I am convinced that the Lithuanian people do not need war either. Neither do Poles, Latvians and Estonians,” Lukashenko said.
Lithuania has accused Belarus of acting deliberately. President Gitanas Nausėda said there is strong evidence that the balloon activity is a “deliberate action aimed at destabilising the situation in Lithuania.”
Rising Tensions at the Border
Because of the growing threat, Lithuania closed two border checkpoints with Belarus in October. In retaliation, Belarus banned Lithuanian trucks from using its roads.
Prime Minister Ruginiene warned that the airspace intrusions could have serious consequences. “We are talking about aviation security and international law, and about the fact that such actions could be recognised as terrorism,” she said.
Officials say the balloons can reach an altitude of up to 10 km (6 miles). Since October, they have forced Vilnius Airport to close for more than 60 hours. In that month alone, about 30,000 passengers were affected.
EU Describes Balloons as Hybrid Attacks
Meanwhile, tensions have spread to the European Union. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the Belarusian incursions as “hybrid attacks.” She made the remark during a meeting with President Nausėda after the EU summoned Belarus’ representative in Brussels.
“The situation at the border with Belarus is worsening, with the growing incursions of smuggling balloons into Lithuania’s airspace,” von der Leyen said.
The EU is now preparing new sanctions against Belarus. In response, Belarus summoned a Lithuanian envoy over a drone crash, adding another layer to the ongoing diplomatic disputes.