Lithuania to close border with Belarus indefinitely over meteorological balloon incidents

LRT reported the statement.

Ruginienė clarified that certain exceptions will apply to the border closure.

“This means that diplomats and diplomatic mail will be able to cross the border, and Lithuanian and EU citizens can return from Belarus, but all other movement will be halted. This sends a signal to Belarus — no hybrid attacks will be tolerated here, and we will take the strictest measures to stop them,” she emphasized.

Additionally, the prime minister stated that, starting Monday, the army will take “all necessary measures” to neutralize the incoming balloons, including using kinetic means to shoot them down.

Ruginienė also added that Lithuania can now track the trajectory of the meteorological balloons.

“We have already started recording not only the number of balloons but also closely monitoring their flight direction. This will allow us to better coordinate actions and appropriately regulate airport operations,” she said.

• On October 5, according to the Lithuanian National Crisis Management Center (NKVC), Lithuanian airspace was violated by 25 weather balloons, which are typically used by smugglers.
• On October 26, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda called on the government to consider fully closing the border with Belarus and restricting transit to Kaliningrad, Russia, citing growing concerns over smuggling and disruptions at Lithuanian airports.