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The Baltic nation plans to shoot down balloons used to smuggle contraband tobacco across the border, the country's leader announced.

The measure comes after unauthorized aerial incursions forced Vilnius Airport to close on several occasions recently, with weekend disruptions, while authorities suspended cross-border movement during each incident.

Frontier crossing points remain suspended indefinitely following repeated balloon incursions.

The government leader stated, "authorities will not hesitate to employ the strictest possible measures during unauthorized aerial intrusions."

Government Response

Announcing the actions at a press conference, the Prime Minister confirmed military forces were implementing "all necessary measures" to intercept unauthorized devices.

About the border closure, 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.

"Through these actions, we communicate to the neighboring nation stating that asymmetric operations face opposition within our territory, and we'll implement maximum countermeasures to halt these operations," government officials declared.

There has been no immediate response from Minsk officials.

International Consultation

Lithuania plans to consult its allies about the security challenges presented with possible discussions about implementing Nato's Article 4 - a provision enabling alliance discussion about national security issues, specifically concerning defense matters - officials noted.

Travel Impacts

Lithuanian airports were closed three times over the weekend because of aerial devices from Belarus, impacting over hundred flights and thousands of travelers, 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: as of 6 October, hundreds of aerial devices documented crossing borders from Belarus this year, per government spokesperson comments, compared to higher numbers in prior period.

Regional Situation

Other European airports - including in Copenhagen and Munich - have also been affected by air incursions, with unauthorized drone observations, during current period.