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Authorities have decided to eliminate helium balloons carrying cigarettes from neighbouring Belarus, its prime minister has warned.

The measure comes after balloons entering Lithuanian airspace necessitated airport closures repeatedly in recent days, with weekend disruptions, accompanied by temporary closures of cross-border movement during each incident.

Border checkpoints will now be closed indefinitely following repeated balloon incursions.

According to official declarations, "authorities will not hesitate to employ maximum response protocols against airspace violations."

Official Measures

Announcing the actions at a press conference, the Prime Minister confirmed military forces were implementing "every required action" to intercept unauthorized devices.

Concerning border measures, the Prime Minister confirmed diplomatic movement continues 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 foreign authorities stating that asymmetric operations face opposition across our nation, employing comprehensive defensive actions to halt these operations," the Prime Minister emphasized.

Authorities received no prompt reaction from Minsk officials.

International Consultation

Authorities will discuss with international allies over the threat posed from the balloons with possible discussions about implementing the NATO consultation clause - a provision enabling alliance discussion about national security issues, particularly involving territorial protection - officials noted.

Airport Disruptions

Lithuanian airports were closed three times during holiday periods from balloon incidents from Belarus, disrupting air transport and passenger movement, according to Baltic News Service.

During the current month, 25 balloons entered Lithuania from Belarus, causing dozens of flight disruptions impacting thousands, per national security agency reports.

These incidents continue previous patterns: by autumn measurements, 544 balloons were recorded entering Lithuania across the frontier in recent months, per government spokesperson comments, compared to higher numbers in prior period.

Regional Situation

Additional aviation facilities - covering northern and central European sites - experienced similar aerial disruptions, with unauthorized drone observations, during current period.