Lithuania has imposed a nationwide state of emergency after a surge of airspace violations by contraband-carrying balloons and drones launched from Belarus.
Vilnius officials describe the campaign as a deliberate “hybrid attack” by the Belarusian regime, closely aligned with Russia, aimed at destabilizing the NATO member’s border region.
Since October, repeated incursions have forced multiple temporary shutdowns of Vilnius International Airport, stranding travelers and disrupting air traffic across the country.
According to Lithuanian authorities, more than 600 balloons and 200 drones have crossed into Lithuanian airspace this year. While many are used by Belarus-based smugglers to send cigarettes into the EU, officials stress that the scale and persistence of the incursions show clear state involvement. The decision to declare a state of emergency underscores Lithuania’s concern that Minsk is testing NATO’s resolve while assisting Moscow’s broader pressure campaign against Europe.
