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The Baltic nation plans to intercept and destroy aerial devices transporting contraband tobacco across the border, the country's leader announced.

The measure comes after foreign objects crossing the border necessitated airport closures multiple times over the past week, including at the weekend, while authorities suspended Belarus border crossings temporarily each time.

International border access continues restricted due to the ongoing aerial incidents.

According to official declarations, "authorities will not hesitate to employ the strictest possible measures during unauthorized aerial intrusions."

Government Response

Announcing the actions at a press conference, officials stated defense units were executing "all necessary measures" 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, however general movement continues suspended.

"This represents our clear message to foreign authorities stating that asymmetric operations face opposition here, and we will take all the strictest measures to stop such attacks," government officials declared.

There has been no immediate response from Belarus.

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 provision enabling alliance discussion on any issue of concern, particularly involving territorial protection - she added.

Flight Cancellations

Aviation hubs faced multiple shutdowns during holiday periods from balloon incidents from Belarus, disrupting air transport and passenger movement, based on regional media reports.

Earlier this month, multiple aerial devices crossed into Lithuanian airspace, causing dozens of flight disruptions impacting thousands, Lithuania's National Crisis Management Centre told the BBC.

These incidents continue previous patterns: through early October, 544 balloons were recorded entering Lithuania from neighboring territory during current year, according to official statements, while 966 were recorded last year.

Regional Situation

International air travel hubs - including in Copenhagen and Munich - experienced similar aerial disruptions, with unauthorized drone observations, over past months.