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Authorities have decided to shoot down helium balloons carrying cigarettes from neighbouring Belarus, the country's leader announced.

The measure comes after balloons entering Lithuanian airspace necessitated airport closures repeatedly in recent days, with weekend disruptions, accompanied by temporary closures of Belarus border crossings temporarily each time.

International border access continues restricted in response to the helium weather balloons.

Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene said, "authorities will not hesitate to employ maximum response protocols when our airspace is violated."

Official Measures

Outlining the strategy to media, Ruginiene said the army was taking "every required action" to eliminate aerial threats.

Concerning border measures, the Prime Minister confirmed diplomatic movement continues between the two countries, while European Union nationals and Lithuanian residents retain entry rights, though all other travel remains prohibited.

"This represents our clear message to foreign authorities and saying that no hybrid attack will be tolerated across our nation, employing comprehensive defensive actions to stop such attacks," she said.

Official communications saw no quick answer from Minsk officials.

International Consultation

Authorities will discuss with international allies about the security challenges presented while potentially considering invocation of the alliance's consultation mechanism - a provision enabling alliance discussion about national security issues, particularly involving territorial protection - officials noted.

Flight Cancellations

Aviation hubs faced multiple shutdowns over the weekend because of aerial devices from Belarus, disrupting air transport and passenger movement, according to Baltic News Service.

Earlier this month, multiple aerial devices crossed into Lithuanian airspace, causing dozens of flight disruptions impacting thousands, Lithuania's National Crisis Management Centre told the BBC.

The phenomenon is not new: by autumn measurements, hundreds of aerial devices documented crossing borders from Belarus this year, according to official statements, with nearly thousand incidents during previous year.

International Perspective

International air travel hubs - including in Copenhagen and Munich - faced comparable aviation security challenges, including drone sightings, over past months.