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The Baltic nation plans to shoot down aerial devices transporting illicit goods from Belarus, the country's leader announced.

This decision follows after unauthorized aerial incursions disrupted air traffic on several occasions recently, including at the weekend, accompanied by temporary closures of cross-border movement during each incident.

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

The government leader stated, "we are ready to take even the most severe actions when our airspace is violated."

Government Response

Detailing the measures during a briefing, 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 between the two countries, and EU citizens and Lithuanians can enter from Belarus, but no other movement will be allowed.

"This represents our clear message to the neighboring nation declaring that unconventional threats won't be accepted within our territory, and we'll implement maximum countermeasures to stop such attacks," the Prime Minister emphasized.

Official communications saw no quick answer from Minsk officials.

International Consultation

Authorities will discuss with international allies over the threat posed from the balloons with possible discussions about implementing Nato's Article 4 - a provision enabling alliance discussion about national security issues, especially related to its security - she added.

Airport Disruptions

Aviation hubs faced multiple shutdowns during holiday periods from balloon incidents crossing the international border, impacting over hundred flights and thousands of travelers, based on regional media reports.

Earlier this month, multiple aerial devices crossed into Lithuanian airspace, resulting in numerous canceled flights and passenger inconveniences, per national security agency reports.

The phenomenon is not new: through early October, hundreds of aerial devices documented crossing borders from neighboring territory during current year, per government spokesperson comments, with nearly thousand incidents during previous year.

Regional Situation

Other European airports - such as Scandinavian and German locations - faced comparable aviation security challenges, involving unmanned aerial vehicles, during current period.