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Lithuania will begin to intercept and destroy aerial devices transporting illicit goods from Belarus, the country's leader announced.

The measure comes after foreign objects crossing the border forced Vilnius Airport to close repeatedly in recent days, with weekend disruptions, accompanied by temporary closures of cross-border movement during each incident.

Border checkpoints will now be closed indefinitely following repeated balloon incursions.

Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene said, "authorities will not hesitate to employ maximum response protocols against airspace violations."

Official Measures

Outlining the strategy to media, officials stated defense units were executing "all necessary measures" to eliminate aerial threats.

About the border closure, Ruginiene said diplomats will still be able to travel across the international border, with special provisions for EU and Lithuanian nationals, however general movement continues suspended.

"In this way, we are sending a signal to foreign authorities stating that asymmetric operations face opposition within our territory, and we'll implement maximum countermeasures to halt these operations," the Prime Minister emphasized.

There has been no immediate response from Belarus.

Diplomatic Measures

Authorities will discuss with international allies about the security challenges presented and may discuss activating the alliance's consultation mechanism - a provision enabling alliance discussion on any issue of concern, especially related to its security - the Prime Minister concluded.

Travel Impacts

Aviation hubs faced multiple shutdowns during holiday periods from balloon incidents from Belarus, impacting over hundred flights and thousands of travelers, based on regional media reports.

Earlier this month, several unauthorized objects traversed the border, leading to 30 flight cancellations affecting 6,000 passengers, Lithuania's National Crisis Management Centre told the BBC.

These incidents continue previous patterns: by autumn measurements, numerous unauthorized objects tracked entering airspace across the frontier in recent months, according to official statements, while 966 were recorded last year.

Regional Situation

Additional aviation facilities - covering northern and central European sites - experienced similar aerial disruptions, with unauthorized drone observations, over past months.