Lithuania declares state of emergency over balloons from Belarus

Lithuania’s government on Tuesday declared a state of emergency after a surge of smuggler balloons originating from Belarus repeatedly disrupted aviation and raised national security concerns.

The government has asked parliament to approve expanded powers that would allow the military to operate alongside police and border forces, and in some cases independently.

The balloons—used by smugglers to transport contraband cigarettes—have forced repeated closures of Vilnius International Airport. Lithuanian officials say the incursions constitute a “hybrid attack” by Belarus, which maintains close ties with Russia.

“The state of emergency is announced not only due to civil aviation disruptions but also due to interests of national security,” Interior Minister Vladislav Kondratovic said during a live-streamed government meeting.

Belarus has denied any involvement, instead accusing Lithuania of provocation, including allegedly sending a drone into Belarusian territory carrying “extremist material”—an accusation Lithuania rejects.

As part of the emergency measures, the Lithuanian government has asked parliament to authorize the army to operate jointly with police, border guards, and security services, as well as independently when necessary, Interior Minister Kondratovic said.

If approved, the military would gain authority to:

Restrict access to specific territories

Stop and search vehicles

Conduct identity and belongings checks

Detain individuals resisting orders or suspected of crimes

Defense Minister Robertas Kaunas said the military would also be permitted to use force when carrying out these duties. The state of emergency will remain in effect until lifted by the government.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on December 1 that the situation at Lithuania’s border was deteriorating, describing the balloon incursions as a “hybrid attack” orchestrated by Belarus and calling them “completely unacceptable.”

Lithuania has faced similar pressure before. In 2021, it imposed a state of emergency after accusing Belarus of orchestrating a migrant influx across their shared border. A year later, Lithuania declared another state of emergency following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, fearing potential spillover risks due to its proximity to Russia and Belarus.

The latest emergency underscores escalating tensions along the EU’s eastern frontier and highlights Lithuania’s increasing concern over unconventional threats targeting its security and critical infrastructure./TheGeopost.