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Lithuania will begin to eliminate aerial devices transporting cigarettes from neighbouring Belarus, its prime minister has warned.

The measure comes after unauthorized aerial incursions necessitated airport closures repeatedly in recent days, with weekend disruptions, with the government also closing frontier checkpoints during these events.

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

According to official declarations, "our nation stands prepared to implement even the most severe actions against airspace violations."

National Security Actions

Announcing the actions at a press conference, 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 for cross-border diplomatic missions, and EU citizens and Lithuanians can enter from Belarus, however general movement continues suspended.

"In this way, we are sending a signal to Belarus stating that asymmetric operations face opposition within our territory, and we'll implement maximum countermeasures to prevent similar incidents," she said.

There has been no immediate response from Belarus.

Alliance Coordination

Lithuania plans to consult its allies over the threat posed from the balloons with possible discussions about implementing the NATO consultation clause - a request for consultation by a Nato member country about national security issues, especially related to its security - officials noted.

Airport Disruptions

Lithuanian airports were closed three times over the weekend because of aerial devices from Belarus, impacting over hundred flights and thousands of travelers, per transportation authority data.

In recent weeks, multiple aerial devices crossed into Lithuanian airspace, leading to 30 flight cancellations affecting 6,000 passengers, according to emergency management officials.

This situation represents ongoing challenges: as of 6 October, hundreds of aerial devices documented crossing borders from neighboring territory during current year, according to official statements, compared to higher numbers in prior period.

European Context

Additional aviation facilities - covering northern and central European sites - experienced similar aerial disruptions, involving unmanned aerial vehicles, over past months.