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Authorities have decided to eliminate aerial devices transporting cigarettes from neighbouring Belarus, the country's leader announced.

The measure comes after foreign objects crossing the border disrupted air traffic repeatedly in recent days, including at the weekend, with the government also closing frontier checkpoints during these events.

Frontier crossing points remain suspended indefinitely due to the ongoing aerial incidents.

According to official declarations, "authorities will not hesitate to employ maximum response protocols against airspace violations."

National Security Actions

Outlining the strategy to media, Ruginiene said the army was taking "all necessary measures" to shoot down balloons.

Regarding frontier restrictions, the Prime Minister confirmed diplomatic movement continues across the international border, and EU citizens and Lithuanians can enter from Belarus, though all other travel remains prohibited.

"This represents our clear message to the neighboring nation declaring that unconventional threats won't be accepted here, and we will take all the strictest measures to halt these operations," the Prime Minister emphasized.

There has been no immediate response from Belarus.

Diplomatic Measures

Authorities will discuss with international allies about the security challenges presented with possible discussions about implementing the alliance's consultation mechanism - a protocol allowing member state consultation regarding security matters, specifically concerning defense matters - she added.

Travel Impacts

Lithuanian airports were closed three times during holiday periods from balloon incidents originating from neighboring territory, disrupting air transport and passenger movement, per transportation authority data.

During the current month, 25 balloons entered Lithuania from Belarus, resulting in numerous canceled flights and passenger inconveniences, according to emergency management officials.

These incidents continue previous patterns: as of 6 October, hundreds of aerial devices documented crossing borders from Belarus this year, according to official statements, while 966 were recorded last year.

Regional Situation

International air travel hubs - covering northern and central European sites - have also been affected by air incursions, involving unmanned aerial vehicles, in recent weeks.