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Lithuania will begin to eliminate aerial devices transporting cigarettes from neighbouring Belarus, the country's leader announced.

This decision follows after balloons entering Lithuanian airspace disrupted air traffic repeatedly in recent days, including at the weekend, accompanied by temporary closures of Belarus border crossings temporarily each time.

Frontier crossing points remain suspended indefinitely in response to the helium weather balloons.

Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene said, "our nation stands prepared to implement the strictest possible measures during unauthorized aerial intrusions."

National Security Actions

Announcing the actions at a press conference, officials stated defense units were executing "every required action" to shoot down balloons.

Concerning border measures, Ruginiene said diplomats will still be able to travel between the two countries, while European Union nationals and Lithuanian residents retain entry rights, but no other movement will be allowed.

"This represents our clear message to foreign authorities and saying that no hybrid attack will be tolerated here, and we will take all the strictest measures to stop such attacks," government officials declared.

There has been no immediate response from Minsk officials.

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 protocol allowing member state consultation on any issue of concern, especially related to its security - the Prime Minister concluded.

Flight Cancellations

Aviation hubs faced multiple shutdowns over the weekend because of aerial devices from Belarus, affecting 112 flights and more than 16,500 passengers, based on regional media reports.

During the current month, several unauthorized objects traversed the border, causing dozens of flight disruptions impacting thousands, Lithuania's National Crisis Management Centre told the BBC.

These incidents continue previous patterns: through early October, numerous unauthorized objects tracked entering airspace from neighboring territory during current year, per government spokesperson comments, compared to higher numbers in prior period.

Regional Situation

International air travel hubs - such as Scandinavian and German locations - faced comparable aviation security challenges, with unauthorized drone observations, in recent weeks.