Lithuania declares emergency situation over Belarus balloons

BBC News - WorldCenterEN 3 min read 100% complete December 9, 2025 at 05:08 PM

AI Summary

medium article 3 min

Lithuania declared a nationwide emergency situation in response to repeated incursions from Belarus involving weather balloons carrying smuggled cigarettes. Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene characterized these incursions as a "hybrid attack" posing risks to national security and civil aviation. Lithuanian officials report approximately 600 balloons and 200 drones have entered their airspace this year, leading to airport closures. The emergency declaration, a step below a state of emergency, grants the armed forces additional powers to respond. Lithuania accuses Belarus, a close ally of Russia, of deliberately destabilizing the country, while Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko denies involvement. The situation follows previous accusations of Belarusian provocation, including a migrant border crisis in 2020, and recent border checkpoint closures by Lithuania.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Gitanas Nauseda 30% Vladimir Putin 40% Inga Ruginiene 50% Alexander Lukashenko ×260% Belarus ×870% Lithuania ×980%

Keywords

weather balloons 100% belarus 90% lithuania 90% hybrid attack 90% emergency situation 90% national security 80% hybrid warfare 70% smuggling 70% civil aviation 60% aviation security 60%