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

The measure comes after unauthorized aerial incursions forced Vilnius Airport to close repeatedly in recent days, with weekend disruptions, accompanied by temporary closures of frontier checkpoints during these events.

International border access continues restricted in response to the helium weather balloons.

According to official declarations, "we are ready to take the strictest possible measures during unauthorized aerial intrusions."

Official Measures

Outlining the strategy to media, officials stated defense units were executing "complete operational protocols" to shoot down balloons.

Regarding frontier restrictions, Ruginiene said diplomats will still be able to travel across the international border, and EU citizens and Lithuanians can enter from Belarus, but no other movement will be allowed.

"This represents our clear message to foreign authorities and saying that no hybrid attack will be tolerated across our nation, employing comprehensive defensive actions to prevent similar incidents," she said.

Authorities received no prompt reaction from Minsk officials.

Diplomatic Measures

Lithuania plans to consult its allies about the security challenges presented with possible discussions about implementing Nato's Article 4 - a protocol allowing member state consultation regarding security matters, specifically concerning defense matters - she added.

Travel Impacts

Lithuanian airports were closed three times at the weekend due to weather balloons from Belarus, impacting over hundred flights and thousands of travelers, according to Baltic News Service.

Earlier this month, several unauthorized objects traversed the border, causing dozens of flight disruptions impacting thousands, according to emergency management officials.

The phenomenon is not new: as of 6 October, 544 balloons were recorded entering Lithuania across the frontier in recent months, an NCMC spokesman said, while 966 were recorded last year.

Regional Situation

Other European airports - including in Copenhagen and Munich - have also been affected by air incursions, involving unmanned aerial vehicles, in recent weeks.