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Lithuania will begin to intercept and destroy aerial devices transporting contraband tobacco across the border, government officials confirmed.

This decision follows after foreign objects crossing the border necessitated airport closures on several occasions recently, including at the weekend, accompanied by temporary closures of Belarus border crossings temporarily each time.

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

The government leader stated, "authorities will not hesitate to employ even the most severe actions when our airspace is violated."

Government Response

Detailing the measures during a briefing, officials stated defense units were executing "every required action" to intercept unauthorized devices.

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

"This represents our clear message to foreign authorities declaring that unconventional threats won't be accepted here, and we will take all the strictest measures to prevent similar incidents," the Prime Minister emphasized.

Official communications saw no quick answer from Minsk officials.

International Consultation

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

Travel Impacts

Lithuanian airports were closed three times over the weekend because of aerial devices from Belarus, disrupting air transport and passenger movement, according to Baltic News Service.

Earlier this month, 25 balloons entered Lithuania from Belarus, leading to 30 flight cancellations affecting 6,000 passengers, according to emergency management officials.

These incidents continue previous patterns: through early October, 544 balloons were recorded entering Lithuania from neighboring territory during current year, an NCMC spokesman said, while 966 were recorded last year.

International Perspective

Additional aviation facilities - covering northern and central European sites - experienced similar aerial disruptions, including drone sightings, over past months.