Lithuania has officially declared a state of emergency after a series of balloon incursions from neighboring Belarus repeatedly disrupted the country’s airspace and civil aviation operations. The Lithuanian government says the incidents pose a serious risk to national security and has moved to expand the role of the military in maintaining public order.
Over recent months, Vilnius International Airport has been forced to suspend operations several times due to the appearance of large weather balloons. Lithuanian officials claim the balloons are used by smugglers to transport illegal cigarettes across the border and describe the activity as part of a “hybrid attack” originating from Belarus, a close ally of Russia.
Interior Minister Vladislav Kondratovic stated during a live broadcast government meeting that the emergency declaration goes beyond aviation safety concerns. According to him, the situation directly impacts Lithuania’s national security and requires immediate and decisive action.
In response, the government has formally requested that parliament authorize the Lithuanian armed forces to operate alongside police, border guards, and security services. If approved, the military would gain expanded authority to restrict access to specific areas, stop and inspect vehicles, verify personal documents, search belongings, and detain individuals suspected of criminal activity or resisting authorities.
Defense officials confirmed that soldiers would also be permitted to use force when carrying out these duties. The emergency measures will remain in effect until the government determines that the threat has subsided.
Belarus has rejected Lithuania’s accusations, denying any involvement with the balloon incidents. Officials in Minsk accused Lithuania of staging provocations, including allegedly deploying a drone to distribute extremist materials—claims that Lithuania firmly denies.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko dismissed Lithuania’s concerns, stating that the situation is being exaggerated for political reasons. He stressed that Belarus has no intention of escalating tensions or engaging in conflict with neighboring countries.
Meanwhile, the issue has drawn attention at the European level. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen previously warned that conditions along the EU’s eastern border were deteriorating and described the balloon incursions as an unacceptable form of hybrid aggression.
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