Lithuania’s government announced a national emergency on Tuesday due to security concerns arising from meteorological balloons originating from Belarus, a Russian ally, breaching its airspace in recent weeks. The incursions have led to the repeated closure of Lithuania’s main airport, causing significant disruptions and affecting numerous travelers. Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė emphasized the need for stringent measures to counter the Belarusian hybrid attack, focusing on protecting the areas most impacted by the ongoing security threat.
The decision to declare a national emergency was made following a cabinet meeting in the Baltic state, which is a member of NATO and a staunch supporter of Ukraine in the conflict against Russian forces. This declaration grants the military enhanced authority to patrol the border region alongside other security services and enables additional powers, such as conducting searches and detainments, as approved by parliament. The government assured that the impact on civilians would be minimal.
Authorities in Vilnius suspect that the balloons, typically used for smuggling cigarettes into Lithuania, are being deliberately deployed by Belarus to disrupt operations. The Vilnius international airport has faced over 60 hours of closure since October, affecting more than 350 flights and approximately 51,000 passengers. Lithuanian officials have initiated an investigation into the balloons, with the secret services expected to provide insights into potential links with the Minsk regime.
Interior Minister Vladislav Kondratovič highlighted the seriousness of the situation, pointing out that the Belarusian side has not taken action against the senders of the balloons, reinforcing the belief that it constitutes a hybrid attack. In response to the airspace violations, Lithuania had previously closed two border crossings in October.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko criticized Lithuania’s border closures as part of a “hybrid war” against his country, dismissing accusations of conducting hybrid attacks and downplaying the impact of the balloons on civil aviation. Lukashenko called for negotiations between Minsk and Vilnius to address the escalating tensions. Lithuania, along with Poland and other EU nations, have accused Belarus of various destabilizing activities, including cyberattacks and orchestrating migration crises at their borders.
Belarusian political analyst Valery Karbalevich suggested that the recent escalation in balloon-related incidents may be linked to Lukashenko’s efforts to leverage the situation to push for a relaxation of EU sanctions, particularly following the lifting of U.S. sanctions against Belavia, the national airline. Karbalevich indicated that Lukashenko’s objective may be to use the balloon issue as a bargaining chip in negotiations with the EU.
The situation underscores the growing tensions between Lithuania and Belarus, highlighting the complexities of regional security challenges amid broader geopolitical dynamics.