Lithuania Declares Emergency Over Belarus Smuggler Balloons

Lithuania's government declared a state of emergency on Tuesday in response to smuggler weather balloons allegedly originating in Belarus. These balloons have repeatedly disrupted civil aviation, forcing the closure of Vilnius airport, and are viewed by Lithuania as a "hybrid attack" aimed at smuggling cigarettes.

The state of emergency was announced due to civil aviation disruptions and national security interests, according to Interior Minister Vladislav Kondratovic. Lithuania alleges the balloons are sent by smugglers from Belarus, a close Russian ally, transporting illegal cigarettes. Belarus has denied responsibility and, in turn, accused Lithuania of provocations, including sending a drone to drop "extremist material," which Lithuania refutes.

The Lithuanian government has requested that parliament grant the military authority to operate alongside police, border guards, and security forces during the emergency, and to act independently.

If approved by parliament, the military will be permitted to Limit access to territory. Stop and search vehicles, people, documents, and belongings. Detain those resisting or suspected of crimes. Use force for these functions (Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas).

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen previously called the balloon incursions a "hybrid attack" by Belarus and deemed it "completely unacceptable." Lithuania has declared states of emergency previously, including in 2021 over migrants being sent across the border from Belarus, and in 2022 following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.