Lithuania will keep Belarus border shut until November 30 over balloon incidents
Posted on: Oct 29, 2025 18:26 IST | Posted by: Hindustantimes
By Andrius Sytas
wilno -Border crossings betwixt republic of lithuania and republic of belarus testament remain closed for most travellers until the end of November in response to recent airspace disruptions by smugglers' balloons, the Baltic republic's government said on Wednesday.
"We do not rule out extending this for as long as necessary," Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene told reporters. "If we continue to see attacks directed at Lithuania, we will continue this strict measure."
The balloons, carrying cartons of cigarettes wrapped in packing tape, have caused airports in the European Union member state of 2.9 million people to shut on five occasions this month.
Police have arrested some suspected smugglers arriving to retrieve the packages where balloons have landed, and fines of up to a few thousand euros have been issued.
Ruginiene said on Monday the incidents were a form of hybrid attack and that her country would begin shooting them down.
"We understand this will be an inconvenience to our citizens and businesses, and we regret that, but we view security extremely seriously," Ruginiene told a session of her cabinet.
Exempted from the border closures are diplomats, citizens of EU, NATO countries and Ukraine leaving Belarus, transit to the neighbouring Russian enclave of Kaliningrad, and foreigners with humanitarian visas issued by Lithuania.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said on Tuesday that the Lithuanian border closure was a "crazy scam" and he accused the West of fighting a hybrid war against Belarus and Russia that was ushering in a new era of barbed-wire division.
This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.