The Lithuanian government has declared a 'nationwide emergency situation' in response to a series of incursions from neighbouring 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.
Lithuania has accused Belarus of this kind of provocation before. Four years ago, thousands of irregular migrants mostly from the Middle East crossed the Belarusian border. Responding to the latest threat, Lithuania closed two border checkpoints with Belarus for three weeks from the end of October. Belarus subsequently barred Lithuanian trucks from driving on its roads, leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded.
This situation is a matter of aviation security and international law. The weather balloons can fly to a height of 10km (6 miles), leading to Vilnius airport being closed for over 60 hours since October. Despite claims from Lukashenko that beach-related airspace issues are 'unrealistic,' Lithuania continues to report interceptions of smuggling balloons, with authorities seizing nearly 40,000 packets of cigarettes. The growing tensions highlight broader concerns about hybrid threats and geopolitical instability in the region.
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.
Lithuania has accused Belarus of this kind of provocation before. Four years ago, thousands of irregular migrants mostly from the Middle East crossed the Belarusian border. Responding to the latest threat, Lithuania closed two border checkpoints with Belarus for three weeks from the end of October. Belarus subsequently barred Lithuanian trucks from driving on its roads, leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded.
This situation is a matter of aviation security and international law. The weather balloons can fly to a height of 10km (6 miles), leading to Vilnius airport being closed for over 60 hours since October. Despite claims from Lukashenko that beach-related airspace issues are 'unrealistic,' Lithuania continues to report interceptions of smuggling balloons, with authorities seizing nearly 40,000 packets of cigarettes. The growing tensions highlight broader concerns about hybrid threats and geopolitical instability in the region.
