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Authorities have decided to shoot down aerial devices transporting cigarettes from neighbouring Belarus, its prime minister has warned.

This action responds after balloons entering Lithuanian airspace forced Vilnius Airport to close repeatedly in recent days, with weekend disruptions, with the government also closing Belarus border crossings temporarily each time.

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

According to official declarations, "our nation stands prepared to implement maximum response protocols during unauthorized aerial intrusions."

Official Measures

Outlining the strategy to media, officials stated defense units were executing "every required action" to eliminate aerial threats.

Regarding frontier restrictions, officials noted embassy personnel maintain access across the international border, while European Union nationals and Lithuanian residents retain entry rights, but no other movement will be allowed.

"In this way, we are sending a signal to foreign authorities declaring that unconventional threats won't be accepted here, and we will take all the strictest measures to halt these operations," the Prime Minister emphasized.

Official communications saw no quick answer from Minsk officials.

Diplomatic Measures

Authorities will discuss with international allies regarding the aerial device concerns and may discuss activating the alliance's consultation mechanism - a provision enabling alliance discussion about national security issues, especially related to its security - she added.

Airport Disruptions

Lithuanian airports were closed three times at the weekend due to weather balloons from Belarus, disrupting air transport and passenger movement, according to Baltic News Service.

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

These incidents continue previous patterns: by autumn measurements, numerous unauthorized objects tracked entering airspace across the frontier in recent months, according to official statements, compared to higher numbers in prior period.

International Perspective

Other European airports - including in Copenhagen and Munich - faced comparable aviation security challenges, including drone sightings, in recent weeks.