Lithuania Plans Shootdown of Belarusian Smuggler Balloons Disrupting Airspace

Lithuania has announced it will begin shooting down smuggler balloons crossing its border from Belarus after repeated airspace violations disrupted air traffic, including multiple closures of Vilnius Airport and border crossings. These balloons, reportedly carrying contraband cigarettes, have prompted Lithuania to accuse Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko of failing to stop this smuggling practice, which Lithuania describes as "hybrid attacks." In response, Lithuania is maintaining border closures with Belarus except for diplomats and European Union citizens traveling out and is considering invoking NATO Article 4 for security consultations amid escalating tensions on NATO's eastern flank. The Lithuanian government emphasizes that these provocations are calculated attempts to destabilize and test NATO’s resolve. This assertive stance reflects heightened security concerns in the Baltic region, following recent airspace incursions involving Russian military aircraft and drone sightings in Europe. Lithuania's actions underscore the increasing geopolitical friction involving Belarus and its allies, Russia and the Kremlin.