Lithuania announced on 9 December a national state of emergency after balloon threats from Belarus, saying the measure would not inconvenience residents and claiming Belarus used meteorological balloons to smuggle cigarettes.
State of Emergency in Lithuania
Lithuania declared a nationwide state of emergency on 9 December, citing dangers to public safety from balloons originating in Belarus.
The government said the move was essential for tighter coordination among agencies and would not impose additional burdens on citizens, as the measures would be “targeted.”
New Role for Lithuanian Minister
Vladislav Kondratovic was appointed head of crisis operations. He stated that stronger measures are needed to protect areas most affected by Belarus’s hybrid attacks.
All institutions will cooperate to neutralise threats from illicit balloons, the statement added.
Impact on Vilnius Airport
In October, the Vilnius airport was shut for nearly 60 hours due to balloon threats, disrupting over 300 flights and affecting more than 47,000 passengers.
The government assured the public that no inconveniences would arise from the emergency declaration.
Minsk’s Response
Reuters reported that Belarus, which hosted the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, denied Lithuania’s accusations, blaming Vilnius for balloon provocations that allegedly carried “extremist materials.”
Belarus rejected the charges outright.
Article Updated
The report includes updated information on the ongoing situation.
