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The Baltic nation plans to eliminate aerial devices transporting cigarettes from neighbouring Belarus, its prime minister has warned.

The measure comes after unauthorized aerial incursions forced Vilnius Airport to close multiple times over the past week, with weekend disruptions, while authorities suspended Belarus border crossings temporarily each time.

International border access continues restricted due to the ongoing aerial incidents.

Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene said, "we are ready to take maximum response protocols during unauthorized aerial intrusions."

Government Response

Outlining the strategy to media, Ruginiene said the army was taking "all necessary measures" to eliminate aerial threats.

Concerning border measures, the Prime Minister confirmed diplomatic movement continues between the two countries, and EU citizens and Lithuanians can enter from Belarus, but no other movement will be allowed.

"Through these actions, we communicate to the neighboring nation declaring that unconventional threats won't be accepted within our territory, and we'll implement maximum countermeasures to prevent similar incidents," the Prime Minister emphasized.

There has been no immediate response from Belarus.

International Consultation

The Baltic nation intends to coordinate with partners about the security challenges presented with possible discussions about implementing Nato's Article 4 - a request for consultation by a Nato member country about national security issues, particularly involving territorial protection - officials noted.

Travel Impacts

Aviation hubs faced multiple shutdowns over the weekend because of aerial devices from Belarus, disrupting air transport and passenger movement, according to Baltic News Service.

Earlier this month, 25 balloons entered Lithuania from Belarus, resulting in numerous canceled flights and passenger inconveniences, according to emergency management officials.

The phenomenon is not new: through early October, hundreds of aerial devices documented crossing borders from neighboring territory during current year, according to official statements, with nearly thousand incidents during previous year.

European Context

International air travel hubs - covering northern and central European sites - experienced similar aerial disruptions, involving unmanned aerial vehicles, over past months.