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

The measure comes after balloons entering Lithuanian airspace disrupted air traffic multiple times over the past week, including at the weekend, while authorities suspended cross-border movement during each incident.

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

According to official declarations, "we are ready to take maximum response protocols when our airspace is violated."

National Security Actions

Announcing the actions at a press conference, the Prime Minister confirmed military forces were implementing "complete operational protocols" to eliminate aerial threats.

Concerning border measures, Ruginiene said diplomats will still be able to travel between the two countries, with special provisions for EU and Lithuanian nationals, but no other movement will be allowed.

"In this way, we are sending a signal to Belarus declaring that unconventional threats won't be accepted across our nation, employing comprehensive defensive actions to stop such attacks," the Prime Minister emphasized.

Authorities received no prompt reaction from Belarus.

Diplomatic Measures

Lithuania plans to consult its allies regarding the aerial device concerns and may discuss activating the alliance's consultation mechanism - a provision enabling alliance discussion regarding security matters, especially related to its security - the Prime Minister concluded.

Travel Impacts

Lithuanian airports were closed three times over the weekend because of aerial devices originating from neighboring territory, impacting over hundred flights and thousands of travelers, according to Baltic News Service.

Earlier this month, multiple aerial devices crossed into Lithuanian airspace, causing dozens of flight disruptions impacting thousands, according to emergency management officials.

The phenomenon is not new: by autumn measurements, 544 balloons were recorded entering Lithuania across the frontier in recent months, according to official statements, with nearly thousand incidents during previous year.

Regional Situation

Other European airports - such as Scandinavian and German locations - experienced similar aerial disruptions, including drone sightings, in recent weeks.