Lithuania’s airspace has come under repeated incursions by balloons from Belarus, prompting European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to call the activity a “hybrid attack” by the regime of President Alexander Lukashenko.
On Monday, the European Union summoned Belarus’ Chargé d’Affaires in Brussels to deliver a formal diplomatic demarche, signaling heightened tensions between the bloc and Minsk.
The latest disruptions occurred over the weekend when Vilnius Airport imposed temporary airspace restrictions due to “navigation signals characteristic of balloons moving in the direction of the airport,” the facility announced.
According to Lithuanian authorities, over 7,400 passengers and 50 flights were affected, with 31 flights cancelled, 10 diverted, and nine delayed. The restrictions were lifted on Monday.
Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys accused Belarus of “deliberately targeting” the airport, highlighting a pattern of incursions that have repeatedly disrupted travel and airport operations.
In October, dozens of small balloons, some carrying smuggled cigarettes, entered Lithuanian airspace, though their exact origin was unclear at the time. Following continued violations, Lithuania closed its border with Belarus later that month. Belarus condemned the closure as a breach of “citizens’ rights and freedom of movement principles.”
Von der Leyen emphasized that the balloon incursions and other disruptive activities constitute a direct threat to the European Union. “Such hybrid attack by the Lukashenko regime is completely unacceptable,” she said, adding that the EU is preparing further measures under its sanctions regime.
EU spokesperson Anitta Hipper described the incursion as part of a broader pattern of “hybrid actions emanating from the Belarusian territory.”
The incident adds to growing security concerns in Eastern Europe, where NATO countries have faced multiple airspace violations in recent months.
In September, around 20 Russian drones crossed into Poland from Ukraine, prompting NATO jets to intercept and neutralize the threat. Estonia and Romania have also reported unauthorized flights by Russian aircraft over their territory, which Moscow denied.
Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė has stated that the country’s armed forces are prepared to take “all necessary measures” to neutralize the balloons, reflecting the seriousness with which Vilnius views the threat.
The EU’s move to summon Belarus’ representative underscores the bloc’s resolve to defend member states’ airspace and signals potential escalation if Minsk continues its incursions.
Source: CNN
Written By Rodney Mbua
