State of Emergency in Lithuania Due to Balloons Launched from Belarus

The government of Lithuania has declared a state of emergency due to a growing threat to the country's air security. According to airport data, aerial balloons regularly launched from Belarus are being used to transport smuggled drugs, primarily cigarettes.

These incidents have forced the suspension of operations at Vilnius Airport several times, disrupting regular flight services. At this moment, the government has not clarified how long the emergency regime will be in effect.

Minsk has denied the accusations, countering that Lithuania is orchestrating provocations, including allegedly dropping so-called "extremist materials" with drones. Lithuania has labeled these claims as baseless and disinformation.