Lithuania Declares Emergency After Belarus Balloons Enter Airspace

Raising fresh security alarms in the Baltics, Lithuania has declared a national emergency. This follows a recent spike in balloons launched from Belarus that breached its airspace. These balloons — often used to smuggle cigarettes — have disrupted flights. They have forced multiple shutdowns of Lithuania’s main airport. Consequently, thousands of passengers have been stranded in recent weeks.

The government said national security concerns and the growing risk to human life, property, and civil aviation drove the emergency decision. Officials in Vilnius believe the rising number and unusual flight paths of these balloons are not accidental. They view it as part of a deliberate, Belarus-backed hybrid tactic.

Interior Minister Vladislavas Kondratovičius said the measures will be narrowly focused. He emphasized the need for tighter coordination among security agencies. The move comes as NATO states face heightened anxiety over aerial intrusions. Especially after drone incursions into allied airspace surged to record levels in September. This happens while the Russia-Ukraine war approaches its fourth year.

Lithuania, a strong supporter of Ukraine, views the balloon activity as part of a broader pattern. Specifically, of provocation from Russia-aligned Belarus.

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