Lithuania to shoot down smuggling balloons, PM warns
Summary
Lithuania will shoot down balloons used to smuggle cigarettes from Belarus into its airspace. This decision follows repeated disruptions at Vilnius Airport caused by these balloons, leading to temporary airport and border closures. The Lithuanian Prime Minister stated that the military is taking steps to prevent such violations and may involve NATO for further assistance.Key Facts
- Lithuania plans to shoot down balloons smuggling cigarettes from Belarus.
- Vilnius Airport has closed several times recently due to these balloons.
- Lithuania's government has occasionally closed border crossings with Belarus.
- Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene stated that the army is ready to act against airspace violations.
- Diplomatic and certain citizen travel is still allowed, despite border closures.
- Lithuania may activate NATO's Article 4 for consultations over these concerns.
- Over 500 balloons have entered Lithuania from Belarus this year.
- Recent disruptions affected more than 22,500 passengers during airport closures.
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