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Authorities have decided to eliminate helium balloons carrying cigarettes from neighbouring Belarus, the country's leader announced.

This action responds after foreign objects crossing the border disrupted air traffic on several occasions recently, including at the weekend, accompanied by temporary closures of cross-border movement during each incident.

International border access continues restricted following repeated balloon incursions.

Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene said, "our nation stands prepared to implement maximum response protocols during unauthorized aerial intrusions."

Official Measures

Announcing the actions at a press conference, Ruginiene said the army was taking "every required action" to shoot down balloons.

Concerning border measures, officials noted embassy personnel maintain access for cross-border diplomatic missions, and EU citizens and Lithuanians can enter from Belarus, but no other movement will be allowed.

"This represents our clear message to foreign authorities and saying that no hybrid attack will be tolerated within our territory, and we'll implement maximum countermeasures to stop such attacks," the Prime Minister emphasized.

There has been no immediate response from Belarus.

Alliance Coordination

The Baltic nation intends to coordinate with partners regarding the aerial device concerns with possible discussions about implementing the alliance's consultation mechanism - a request for consultation by a Nato member country about national security issues, especially related to its security - the Prime Minister concluded.

Flight Cancellations

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

During the current month, multiple aerial devices crossed into Lithuanian airspace, causing dozens of flight disruptions impacting thousands, Lithuania's National Crisis Management Centre told the BBC.

The phenomenon is not new: by autumn measurements, 544 balloons were recorded entering Lithuania from neighboring territory during current year, per government spokesperson comments, with nearly thousand incidents during previous year.

Regional Situation

International air travel hubs - covering northern and central European sites - experienced similar aerial disruptions, with unauthorized drone observations, in recent weeks.