Lithuania has closed its border with Belarus following “constant violations” of its airspace, the nation’s international ministry introduced Monday, at a time when European nations are on high alert for intrusions into their skies.
“Dozens of helium balloons” have entered Lithuania’s airspace from Belarus over current days, in response to Inga Ruginienė, the nation’s prime minister.
“Autocrats are once again testing the resilience of (the European Union) and NATO against hybrid threats,” she stated Monday in a post on X, calling for a “united, resolute response” towards the airspace violations.
At a press convention, Ruginienė stated that her nation’s armed forces would take “all necessary measures” to shoot down balloons, Reuters reported.
“In this way, we are again sending a signal that we are ready – and we are ready to take even the most severe actions when our airspace is violated,” she stated.
In response to the border closure, Belarus’ international ministry stated it has “handed Lithuania a note of protest” over the transfer.
“This violates citizens’ rights and freedom of movement principles. Belarus supports dialogue and practical cooperation,” the ministry stated in a post on X.
Earlier this month, dozens of small hot-air balloons entered Lithuanian airspace, a few of which had been carrying smuggled cigarettes, in response to authorities.
Though it was not clear the place these balloons got here from, Darius Buta, a senior adviser at Lithuania’s National Crisis Management Centre (NCMC) instructed the Associated Press on the time that Belarusian smugglers are more and more utilizing balloons for smuggling cigarettes into the EU.
Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, referred to as Monday’s violations “a hybrid threat,” describing them as “destabilization” and “provocation.”
Europe “stands in full solidarity with Lithuania in the face of the persistent incursions of helium smuggling balloons into its airspace,” she stated.
Europe is on excessive alert after multiple recent incursions by drones and plane into NATO airspace.
The alliance launched the mission “Eastern Sentry” to reinforce its presence in Eastern Europe and counter Russia’s menace.
On September 9, Poland shot down Russian drones that had violated its airspace.
The operation marked the primary time photographs had been fired by NATO since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which started in February 2022. The navy alliance denounced Moscow’s “absolutely dangerous” habits. Russia claims it didn’t intentionally fly its drones into Poland, suggesting Ukrainian digital jamming could have induced them to veer astray.
Days later, Russian drones violated Romanian airspace, prompting Bucharest to scramble fighter jets.
NATO has additionally intercepted three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets that violated Estonia’s airspace. Russia claims its jets by no means crossed into NATO airspace, however the alliance says it has information to show its declare.
European leaders have vowed to extend strain on Moscow to influence Russian President Vladimir Putin to barter an finish to the battle in Ukraine.