Archive · 10 Dec 2025
Lithuania Declares Emergency Over Belarus Balloon Threats
Lithuania has declared a state of emergency because of weather balloons coming from Belarus that are being used to smuggle things like cigarettes.
These balloons are causing problems for air traffic and the government says it's a threat to their country.
Belarus says they are not responsible and that Lithuania is making false accusations.
This is not the first time Lithuania has declared a state of emergency.
Before, they did it because of illegal migration and concerns about Russia's war in Ukraine.
The leader of the European Union also said that these balloons are a kind of attack by Belarus.
Lithuania declared a state of emergency due to balloons from Belarus violating its airspace.
The balloons have disrupted air traffic, including repeated closures of Vilnius airport.
Lithuania accuses Belarus of using the balloons to smuggle contraband and exert pressure.
The emergency grants the military increased operational freedom, including the use of force.
Belarus denies responsibility and accuses Lithuania of provocations.
- Who
- Lithuania, Belarus
- What
- State of emergency declared due to smuggled balloons
- When
- December 9, 2023
- Where
- Lithuania-Belarus border
- Why
- Threats to public safety and national security from smuggled balloons
- Country
- Lithuania
- Threat
- Balloons from Belarus
- Reason for Emergency
- Public safety and national security
- Accusations
- Belarus allowing smugglers to use weather balloons
- Belarus' Response
- Denied responsibility, accused Lithuania of provocations
- Previous Emergencies
- 2021 (illegal migration), 2022 (Russia's invasion of Ukraine)
- EU Response
- Called it a 'hybrid attack' by Belarus
