NATO Member To Start Shooting Down Menacing Contraband Balloons Out Of Belarus

Lithuania is experiencing a unique aerial threat to its airspace in the form of balloons, which are being used by smugglers to transport contraband from Belarus. The Lithuanian government has announced that it will close its border with Belarus in response to these repeated incursions. Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė stated that the border closure is intended to send a clear signal to Belarus that such actions will not be tolerated. The balloons have already had a significant impact on Vilnius Airport, with a shutdown on Sunday and over 170 flights disrupted last week, affecting around 20,000 passengers. The smuggling operations are believed to be using weather balloons to transport primarily cigarettes and other contraband to circumvent sanctions and EU entry fees. Authorities in Lithuania accuse Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko of allowing these smuggling operations to continue in order to pressure Lithuania. Prime Minister Ruginienė has warned that Lithuania will take strict measures to stop these actions, including shooting down the balloons. The situation has been described as a "crisis" and a "psychological operation" meant to test Lithuania's resilience. The incident has also raised concerns about the security of Europe's skies, with EU officials discussing the possibility of erecting a joint "drone wall" to protect against potential Russian aerial incursions. The Lithuanian government may also call for NATO Article 4 consultations with defense allies to discuss the airspace incursions and potential responses.