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Authorities have decided to eliminate aerial devices transporting illicit goods from Belarus, government officials confirmed.

This decision follows after foreign objects crossing the border forced Vilnius Airport to close on several occasions recently, 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.

The government leader stated, "authorities will not hesitate to employ maximum response protocols during unauthorized aerial intrusions."

Government Response

Outlining the strategy to media, officials stated defense units were executing "all necessary measures" to eliminate aerial threats.

Regarding frontier restrictions, Ruginiene said diplomats will still be able to travel for cross-border diplomatic missions, with special provisions for EU and Lithuanian nationals, though all other travel remains prohibited.

"Through these actions, we communicate to the neighboring nation and saying that no hybrid attack will be tolerated across our nation, employing comprehensive defensive actions to halt these operations," government officials declared.

Official communications saw no quick answer from Belarus.

International Consultation

Authorities will discuss with international allies over the threat posed from the balloons with possible discussions about implementing the NATO consultation clause - a request for consultation by a Nato member country regarding security matters, especially related to its security - the Prime Minister concluded.

Flight Cancellations

National air facilities experienced triple closures during holiday periods from balloon incidents originating from neighboring territory, impacting over hundred flights and thousands of travelers, per transportation authority data.

In recent weeks, 25 balloons entered Lithuania from Belarus, causing dozens of flight disruptions impacting thousands, per national security agency reports.

The phenomenon is not new: through early October, 544 balloons were recorded entering Lithuania across the frontier in recent months, an NCMC spokesman said, while 966 were recorded last year.

International Perspective

Additional aviation facilities - covering northern and central European sites - have also been affected by air incursions, with unauthorized drone observations, over past months.