Lithuania Enacts State of Emergency Amid Balloon Incursions from Belarus
The Lithuanian government has declared a state of emergency in response to security threats from balloon incursions originating from Belarus. This drastic measure comes after a series of incidents where these balloons have repeatedly violated Lithuanian airspace, prompting airport closures. Thousands of travelers were left stranded as a result.
Lithuania’s Response to Balloon Incursions from Belarus
Officials in Lithuania allege that these balloons are being used to smuggle cigarettes and represent deliberate disruptions orchestrated by Belarus, a country allied with Russia. Interior Minister Vladislavas Kondratovičius emphasized that the state of emergency was invoked to protect national security and ensure public safety.
Details of the State of Emergency
- The emergency measure was announced following a cabinet meeting.
- The government aims to enable military cooperation with police and border security agencies.
- The duration of the state of emergency remains uncertain.
Background and Context
This declaration follows Prime Minister Inga Rugienenė’s comments labeling the situation as a hybrid attack, including similar incidents in neighboring Latvia. The disturbances have led to the temporary closure of the Belarusian border, which was enacted last October due to the balloon threats.
Minsk, on its part, has denied responsibility for the balloon incursions. Belarusian President Aliaksandr Lukashenka criticized Lithuania’s border closure, referring to it as a “mad scam.”
European Concerns and Reactions
The situation has raised alarms across Europe. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen condemned the balloon incidents, categorizing them as a “hybrid attack” that is wholly unacceptable. She noted that the EU is considering additional sanctions against Belarus as a response.
As tensions rise between Lithuania and Belarus, the situation highlights broader security issues in the region, particularly in the context of ongoing conflicts involving Russia.
