Lithuania Closes Border with Belarus, Accusing Minsk of Provocations

Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė has announced that the government has decided to close the border with Belarus in response to a number of incidents recorded over the past week.

According to the Prime Minister, Lithuanian airports had to suspend operations four times last week due to balloons filled with smuggled cigarettes that were reportedly released from Belarusian territory. As a result, more than 140 flights were canceled.

“This is a clear signal to Belarus that hybrid attacks against Lithuania are unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” emphasized Šimonytė. She added that the Lithuanian armed forces will receive orders to shoot down such balloons and that border control will be strengthened to prevent possible new incidents.