Lithuania says it will shoot down smuggling balloons from Russia’s ally Belarus:
PM blames Alexander Lukashenko for not stopping ‘hybrid attacks’ ...
theguardian.com/world/2025/oct/27/lithuania-authorises-shooting-down-of-smuggling-balloons-from-belarus
Photo: theguardian.com · view article
Lithuania Approves Shooting Down Smuggling BalloonsVilnius airport closed four times last week due to contraband balloons from Belarus amid rising border tensions.
Key FactsOct 27, 2025 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: theguardian.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: theguardian.com
- Lithuania's prime minister authorized shooting down smuggling balloons crossing from Belarus, labeling them hybrid attacks.
- The incidents caused Vilnius airport to close four times and temporarily shut border crossings with Belarus.
- Belarusian President Lukashenko is blamed for failing to prevent the smuggling activities.
- Russian military aircraft briefly violated Lithuanian airspace, prompting formal diplomatic protests.
Today we have decided to take the strictest measures, there is no other way.— Inga Ruginienė, Lithuania's Prime Minister, regarding the decision to shoot down the balloons.
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