The Lithuanian government has declared a "nationwide emergency situation" in response to a series of weather balloon incursions carrying smuggled cigarettes from Belarus.
Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene condemned the balloons as a "hybrid attack" by Belarus that posed a real risk to national security and civil aviation.
This year alone, officials said about 600 balloons linked to smuggling and almost 200 drones have entered Lithuanian airspace, leading to the repeated closure of Vilnius airport.
Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko denied being behind the incursions, alleging the issue has been "politicised" by Lithuania, which is a member of both the EU and Nato.
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