Security around the Baltic Sea

Lithuania closes border with Belarus after balloon violations

Lithuania is closing its border with Belarus. This is stated by the country's Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene, according to TT.

The announcement comes after balloons from Belarus have violated Lithuanian airspace several times and, among other things, forced the airport in Vilnius to close. The balloons will be shot down in the future, says Ruginiene.

- This is how we send Belarus the signal that we do not tolerate any hybrid attacks, she says.

The balloons weigh up to 50 kilograms and are used to smuggle cigarettes into Lithuania. 

von der Leyen: The balloons are a provocation

The balloons from Belarus that have flown into Lithuania are a provocation, according to EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. On X she writes that Europe stands behind Lithuania and that the events will not be tolerated.

"We call it by its right name: a hybrid threat," she says in her post.

For several days, balloons loaded with smuggled cigarettes have been crossing the border. Lithuania has closed its border with Belarus and promised to shoot them down in the future.