09.12.2025 18:04
Balloons coming from the neighboring country of Belarus, used for cigarette smuggling, have put Lithuania on alert. Interior Minister Vladislav Kondratovic announced that a state of emergency has been declared in the country due to the public safety threat posed by the smuggled balloons.
The issue of "smuggled balloons from Belarus" in Lithuania, a country in the European Union (EU), continues.
STATE OF EMERGENCY DECLARED
Once again today, balloons used for cigarette smuggling violated Lithuanian airspace. Lithuanian Interior Minister Vladislav Kondratovic announced that a state of emergency has been declared in the country due to the public safety threat posed by the smuggled balloons.
Kondratovic stated in a government meeting that the declaration of a state of emergency was made not only due to disruptions in civil aviation but also for national security interests.
DURATION UNDETERMINED
Vladislav Kondratovic mentioned that the notification provides military personnel with extended powers to coordinate with the police or act independently. The duration of the state of emergency measures has not been announced.
THE BALLOON ISSUE BETWEEN LITHUANIA AND BELARUS
Since October, Lithuanian airspace has been violated by balloons used for cigarette smuggling. Lithuanian authorities have stated that the balloons violating the airspace are considered a deliberate act by Belarus, a close ally of Russia, while Belarus claims it is not responsible for the balloons and accuses Lithuania of provocation.