Lithuania declares state of emergency over smuggler balloons from Belarus

Move comes with concern rife that Minsk, alongside ally Russia, is engaged in hybrid warfare and testing NATO defences.Published On 9 Dec 2025Lithuania has declared an “emergency situation” over an influx of meteorological balloons launched from neighbouring Belarus.The declaration by Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene on Tuesday came amid growing tension between Lithuania and its neighbour over the balloons, which have previously been used to smuggle cigarettes but are now suspected to be operated by Belarusian security services.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4Lithuania shuts airports, Belarus border crossings after balloon sightingslist 2 of 4Europe lacks coordination as Russia ‘prepares for war with NATO’: Expertslist 3 of 4Lithuania to shoot down smuggler balloons, shut Belarus border crossingslist 4 of 4Lithuania extends Belarus border closure over balloon attackend of listVilnius has accused Minsk, a close ally of Russia, of mounting a “hybrid attack”, with the flights into Lithuanian airspace leading to the repeated closure of the country’s airports in recent months.“In combating the Belarusian hybrid attack, we must take the strictest measures and defend the areas most affected,” Ruginiene said.“All institutions are joining forces to address the threat posed by smuggling balloons.”The balloons are widely used by smugglers to illicitly transport cigarettes into Lithuania, but Interior Minister Vladislav Kondratovic said it is believed that Minsk is involved in orchestrating the flights.The emergency declaration will allow the military to take part in border patrols alongside police and border guards.Meanwhile, prosecutors have launched an investigation, and the secret services will provide information about the connection with the Belarusian state, the minister added.Testing defencesThe measure comes amid widespread concern in Europe that, as its war in Ukraine grinds on, Russia is increasingly using hybrid warfare, including sabotage and espionage, and testing of NATO defences.