Prime Minister of Lithuania: balloon incidents are a hybrid attack. “We are closing the border crossings with Belarus”

Increasing incidents involving weather balloons entering Lithuanian airspace from Belarus constitute a hybrid attack, said Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene. In response, Lithuania is closing the land border crossings with Belarus for an indefinite period, she added.

In addition, a team action plan has been developed to combat smuggling balloons; the plan will be implemented by individual ministries and state institutions, the head of government added on Monday after the meeting of the National Security Committee.

“We also consult and communicate with our allies and neighbors, Poland and Latvia. All our activities are coordinated with them, we are not a separate country, we are part of NATO and the EU,” Ruginiene emphasized.

Due to the intrusion of Belarusian balloons into Lithuanian airspace, the Vilnius airport was closed four times during the week. (PAP)

aki/ akl/