Lithuania, a strong supporter of Ukraine and a member of both NATO and the EU, has declared a nationwide state of emergency due to a surge in meteorological balloons launched from neighboring Belarus and illegally entering its airspace. Interior Minister Vladislav Kondratovich has been appointed to lead the emergency operations.
Interior Ministry data shows that 599 smuggling balloons and 197 drone incursions into Lithuanian airspace have already been recorded this year. These attacks have disrupted 320 flights, affected 47,000 passengers, and caused nearly 60 hours of airport closures. Officials say the operation is being conducted by Belarusian security services and describe it as “hybrid attack.”
LRT television reports that the government has also approved a proposal granting additional powers to units during the state of emergency. These powers include issuing mandatory orders, detaining those who ignore orders or are suspected of violations, restricting access and traffic, halting operations, conducting inspections, and using special equipment.
“It’s clear that this emergency is being declared not only because of disruptions to civil aviation, but also due to national security concerns and the need for closer coordination among institutions,” Interior Minister Vladislav Kondratovich said.
“In countering Belarus’s hybrid attack, we must take the strictest measures and protect the areas most affected by this attack. All relevant institutions are joining forces to put an end to the threat posed by the smuggled balloons,” Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene said in a Cabinet meeting.
Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko, a close friend and ally of Vladimir Putin, responded to the statement by claiming that Lithuania is exaggerating the incidents involving smuggling balloons and insisted that Minsk does not seek war with its neighbors. He also accused Lithuania of “politicizing” the issue.
The Lithuanian government is also considering additional measures should the crisis of smuggling balloons continue despite all the steps taken. According to the president’s national security adviser, Marius Česnulevičius, these measures could include freezing or seizing Belarusian assets in Lithuania.