Lithuania Closes Border with Belarus After Drone and Balloon Incursions

Lithuania has temporarily shut several of its border crossings with Belarus following a series of aerial incursions involving drones and helium balloons allegedly sent from Belarusian territory. The Lithuanian government described the move as a necessary response to what it called a “hybrid attack” aimed at destabilising national security.

Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė said the decision came after Lithuanian radar detected multiple unidentified flying objects, including balloons carrying contraband such as cigarettes, crossing into Lithuanian airspace over the past week. These incidents forced temporary closures at Vilnius and Kaunas airports and heightened security concerns along the eastern frontier.

Ruginienė called the incursions “unacceptable provocations” and announced that the border will remain closed indefinitely for most travelers, except diplomats, EU citizens, and essential cargo. The Lithuanian military has also been authorised to shoot down any aerial objects entering the country’s airspace from Belarus.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko dismissed the allegations, calling Lithuania’s actions “a crazy scam” and accusing Vilnius of fabricating threats to justify political tensions. Minsk claimed that Lithuania’s response was an overreaction designed to attract Western attention.

The closures affect key crossings such as Medininkai and Šalčininkai, disrupting trade and travel in the region. Lithuanian officials are reportedly considering invoking Article 4 of the NATO Treaty, which allows for consultations among member states when a nation’s security is threatened.

Analysts say the incident underscores growing tensions in Eastern Europe, where NATO countries bordering Belarus and Russia have reported increased drone and airspace violations. Lithuanian leaders argue that these incursions are part of a broader pattern of hybrid warfare, blending disinformation, smuggling, and intimidation tactics.

The move marks one of Lithuania’s strongest security measures against Belarus since diplomatic relations between the two countries deteriorated in 2021.