Lithuania closes border with Belarus following series of balloon sightings

By Burak Bir

LONDON (AA)— The Lithuanian government announced on Wednesday that the country's border with Belarus would be closed for one month following a series of balloon sighting incidents that were described as "constant violations" of the country's airspace.

Interior Minister Vladislav Kondratovic said at a Cabinet meeting that the government is submitting proposals to address the "tense situation" at the border and airports.

"We believe these measures should send a clear message to our not-so-friendly neighbor, which is making no effort to address the problem," Kondratovic was quoted by the country's public broadcaster LRT as saying.

According to the measures, the Cabinet decided to fully close the Salcininkai–Benyakoni border crossing and restrict passage through the Medininkai–Kamenny Log crossing.

The ban on travel through this checkpoint will not apply to diplomats, diplomatic mail, travelers holding simplified transit documents, and Lithuanian citizens and their family members returning to Lithuania.

According to the report, exceptions also apply to citizens of the EU, the European Economic Area, and NATO countries and their family members, as well as foreign nationals returning to Lithuania with valid residence permits or those holding humanitarian visas.

Earlier on Monday, Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene announced plans to close the border with Belarus over recent balloon sighting incidents.

Lithuania recently closed airports and border crossings after helium balloons from Belarus entered its airspace multiple times.

Authorities said the balloons are used for smuggling and are part of broader "hybrid attacks."