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The Baltic nation plans to shoot down helium balloons carrying cigarettes from neighbouring Belarus, the country's leader announced.

This decision follows after foreign objects crossing the border necessitated airport closures on several occasions recently, affecting holiday travel, while authorities suspended cross-border movement during each incident.

International border access continues restricted following repeated balloon incursions.

According to official declarations, "our nation stands prepared to implement the strictest possible measures against airspace violations."

National Security Actions

Detailing the measures during a briefing, officials stated defense units were executing "all necessary measures" to shoot down balloons.

Regarding frontier restrictions, officials noted embassy personnel maintain access for cross-border diplomatic missions, with special provisions for EU and Lithuanian nationals, however general movement continues suspended.

"Through these actions, we communicate to Belarus declaring that unconventional threats won't be accepted here, and we will take all the strictest measures to prevent similar incidents," she said.

Authorities received no prompt reaction from Belarus.

Diplomatic Measures

The Baltic nation intends to coordinate with partners regarding the aerial device concerns while potentially considering invocation of Nato's Article 4 - a provision enabling alliance discussion regarding security matters, especially related to its security - she added.

Travel Impacts

Aviation hubs faced multiple shutdowns at the weekend due to weather balloons originating from neighboring territory, disrupting air transport and passenger movement, based on regional media reports.

During the current month, several unauthorized objects traversed the border, leading to 30 flight cancellations affecting 6,000 passengers, per national security agency reports.

The phenomenon is not new: by autumn measurements, 544 balloons were recorded entering Lithuania from neighboring territory during current year, an NCMC spokesman said, with nearly thousand incidents during previous year.

Regional Situation

International air travel hubs - covering northern and central European sites - experienced similar aerial disruptions, including drone sightings, during current period.