Lithuania Threatens to Shut Belarus Border Over "Smuggler Balloons"

Lithuania is urging the European Union and United States to help stop what it calls a new smuggling threat from Belarus: balloons. Officials in Vilnius say these large balloons are being launched from Belarus into Lithuanian airspace. The balloons carry illegal goods, such as drugs and counterfeit cigarettes. Lithuania calls this a "hybrid attack" – a non-military tactic meant to destabilize a country. The Lithuanian government warns it may act alone if international support is insufficient. Possible national measures include new sanctions against those involved, or even a full closure of the Lithuania-Belarus border. This escalation follows years of heightened tension. Lithuania has been a strong critic of the Belarusian government and its ally, Russia. The Baltic nation has also supported Belarusian opposition figures. A unilateral border closure by Lithuania would be a drastic step. It could disrupt regional trade and further isolate Belarus from its neighbors.