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Lithuania will begin to shoot down helium balloons carrying illicit goods from Belarus, its prime minister has warned.

The measure comes after unauthorized aerial incursions necessitated airport closures multiple times over the past week, including at the weekend, with the government also closing cross-border movement during each incident.

International border access continues restricted following repeated balloon incursions.

Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene said, "authorities will not hesitate to employ the strictest possible measures during unauthorized aerial intrusions."

Government Response

Detailing the measures during a briefing, the Prime Minister confirmed military forces were implementing "all necessary measures" to intercept unauthorized devices.

Regarding frontier restrictions, the Prime Minister confirmed diplomatic movement continues between the two countries, while European Union nationals and Lithuanian residents retain entry rights, though all other travel remains prohibited.

"In this way, we are sending a signal to the neighboring nation and saying that no hybrid attack will be tolerated across our nation, employing comprehensive defensive actions to stop such attacks," she said.

Authorities received no prompt reaction from the neighboring government.

Diplomatic Measures

Authorities will discuss with international allies over the threat posed from the balloons with possible discussions about implementing the NATO consultation clause - a provision enabling alliance discussion on any issue of concern, specifically concerning defense matters - she added.

Airport Disruptions

Lithuanian airports were closed three times at the weekend due to weather balloons crossing the international border, impacting over hundred flights and thousands of travelers, based on regional media reports.

During the current month, multiple aerial devices crossed into Lithuanian airspace, resulting in numerous canceled flights and passenger inconveniences, per national security agency reports.

The phenomenon is not new: as of 6 October, numerous unauthorized objects tracked entering airspace from Belarus this year, according to official statements, compared to higher numbers in prior period.

Regional Situation

Other European airports - including in Copenhagen and Munich - have also been affected by air incursions, including drone sightings, over past months.