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Authorities have decided to eliminate aerial devices transporting contraband tobacco across the border, the country's leader announced.

This decision follows after balloons entering Lithuanian airspace forced Vilnius Airport to close multiple times over the past week, affecting holiday travel, accompanied by temporary closures of cross-border movement during each incident.

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 when our airspace is violated."

Official Measures

Outlining the strategy to media, Ruginiene said the army was taking "all necessary measures" to shoot down balloons.

Concerning border measures, the Prime Minister confirmed diplomatic movement continues for cross-border diplomatic missions, and EU citizens and Lithuanians can enter from Belarus, though all other travel remains prohibited.

"Through these actions, we communicate to foreign authorities stating that asymmetric operations face opposition across our nation, employing comprehensive defensive actions to stop such attacks," the Prime Minister emphasized.

There has been no immediate response from the neighboring government.

International Consultation

Lithuania plans to consult its allies regarding the aerial device concerns while potentially considering invocation of the NATO consultation clause - a provision enabling alliance discussion about national security issues, specifically concerning defense matters - officials noted.

Travel Impacts

Aviation hubs faced multiple shutdowns at the weekend due to weather balloons from Belarus, affecting 112 flights and more than 16,500 passengers, based on regional media reports.

Earlier this 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: as of 6 October, hundreds of aerial devices documented crossing borders from neighboring territory during current year, according to official statements, while 966 were recorded last year.

Regional Situation

Other European airports - including in Copenhagen and Munich - experienced similar aerial disruptions, including drone sightings, over past months.