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The Baltic nation plans to intercept and destroy aerial devices transporting contraband tobacco across the border, its prime minister has warned.

The measure comes after balloons entering Lithuanian airspace forced Vilnius Airport to close multiple times over the past week, including at the weekend, accompanied by temporary closures of cross-border movement during each incident.

Border checkpoints will now be closed indefinitely in response to the helium weather balloons.

According to official declarations, "our nation stands prepared to implement maximum response protocols when our airspace is violated."

Government Response

Detailing the measures during a briefing, officials stated defense units were executing "all necessary measures" to shoot down balloons.

About the border closure, Ruginiene said diplomats will still be able to travel for cross-border diplomatic missions, and EU citizens and Lithuanians can enter from Belarus, however general movement continues suspended.

"This represents our clear message to the neighboring nation declaring that unconventional threats won't be accepted across our nation, employing comprehensive defensive actions to halt these operations," government officials declared.

Official communications saw no quick answer from the neighboring government.

Alliance Coordination

Authorities will discuss with international allies over the threat posed from the balloons and may discuss activating the NATO consultation clause - a provision enabling alliance discussion about national security issues, specifically concerning defense matters - officials noted.

Flight Cancellations

Lithuanian airports were closed three times over the weekend because of aerial devices originating from neighboring territory, disrupting air transport and passenger movement, according to Baltic News Service.

During the current month, multiple aerial devices crossed into Lithuanian airspace, causing dozens of flight disruptions impacting thousands, according to emergency management officials.

The phenomenon is not new: as of 6 October, numerous unauthorized objects tracked entering airspace from neighboring territory during current year, per government spokesperson comments, while 966 were recorded last year.

International Perspective

Other European airports - including in Copenhagen and Munich - have also been affected by air incursions, involving unmanned aerial vehicles, over past months.