Lithuania to Shoot Down Smuggling Balloons Amid Airspace Violations

Thu Oct 30 2025 21:45:44 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Lithuania's PM announces decisive action against smuggling balloons from Belarus, leading to the closure of airspace and border checkpoints.

Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene has declared that the country will shoot down balloons used for smuggling cigarettes from Belarus. This decision follows multiple airspace violations that led to airport closures and indefinite border checkpoint closures. The PM stated that the government is prepared for 'the most severe actions' to protect national airspace.

Lithuania will begin to shoot down balloons used to smuggle cigarettes from neighbouring Belarus, its prime minister has warned.

The measure comes after balloons entering Lithuanian airspace forced Vilnius Airport to close multiple times over the past week, including at the weekend. The government also closed Belarus border crossings temporarily each time.

Border checkpoints will now be closed indefinitely in response to the helium weather balloons.

Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene said, 'we are ready to take even the most severe actions when our airspace is violated.'

Announcing the actions at a press conference, Ruginiene stated that the army was prepared to take necessary measures to shoot down balloons.

About the border closure, she explained that diplomats will still be able to travel between the two countries, and EU citizens and Lithuanians can enter from Belarus, but no other movement will be allowed. 'In this way, we are sending a signal to Belarus and saying that no hybrid attack will be tolerated here, and we will take all the strictest measures to stop such attacks,' she added.

There has been no immediate response from Belarus.

Lithuania plans to consult its allies over the threat posed from the balloons, and may discuss activating NATO's Article 4, a request for consultation by a NATO member country on security concerns.

Lithuanian airports were closed three times at the weekend due to weather balloons from Belarus, affecting 112 flights and over 16,500 passengers. Earlier this month, 25 balloons entered Lithuania, leading to 30 flight cancellations affecting 6,000 passengers.

As of October 6, 544 balloons have been recorded entering Lithuania from Belarus this year, compared to 966 last year. Other European airports, including in Copenhagen and Munich, have also faced disruptions due to air incursions.