Lithuania Declares State of Emergency Amid Belarus Balloon Incursions

In a significant escalation of tensions in the Baltic region, the Lithuanian government has declared a nationwide state of emergency due to repeated incursions into its airspace by weather balloons reportedly launched from Belarus. This decision comes as a response to what officials have termed a deliberate "hybrid attack" orchestrated by the Belarusian regime, which is allied with Russia. The incursions have disrupted air traffic and caused significant inconvenience to travelers, particularly at Vilnius International Airport.

Key Details

The state of emergency was officially declared on December 9, 2025, following a series of airspace violations that have been ongoing since October of this year. Lithuanian authorities have reported that over 600 weather balloons and approximately 200 drones have entered Lithuanian airspace in 2025 alone. These aerial devices are primarily utilized by smugglers to transport contraband, particularly cigarettes, across the border from Belarus into Lithuania.

Since the onset of these incursions, Vilnius International Airport has experienced multiple closures, stranding thousands of travelers and severely disrupting air traffic operations. The Lithuanian government has characterized these balloon incursions as part of a broader strategy by the Belarusian government to undermine Lithuania"s sovereignty and security.

Officials have expressed concern that the use of balloons and drones for smuggling operations represents a new tactic in the ongoing hybrid warfare tactics employed by the Belarusian regime. The situation has raised alarms not only within Lithuania but also among its NATO allies, who are closely monitoring the developments.

Background

The tensions between Lithuania and Belarus have been exacerbated by the political climate in the region, particularly following the contested presidential elections in Belarus in 2020, which led to widespread protests and a crackdown on dissent by the government of President Alexander Lukashenko. The Belarusian government has been accused of using hybrid warfare tactics, including the use of irregular forces and non-traditional methods, to exert influence and control over neighboring countries.

In recent years, Lithuania has taken a firm stance against Belarusian actions, aligning itself more closely with Western allies and seeking to bolster its defense capabilities. The current situation with the balloon incursions is seen as a continuation of this pattern of aggression from the Belarusian government, which has been increasingly emboldened by its alliance with Russia.

Impact

The declaration of a state of emergency is expected to lead to heightened security measures along the border with Belarus and increased vigilance in Lithuanian airspace. Authorities are likely to implement stricter controls and monitoring of aerial activities to prevent further incursions. This situation may also prompt discussions among NATO allies regarding collective security measures in response to the evolving threat landscape in Eastern Europe.

As previously reported, similar situations have arisen in other regions, highlighting the growing trend of hybrid warfare tactics being employed by state and non-state actors. The international community will be watching closely to see how Lithuania navigates this crisis and what implications it may have for regional stability and security.

For more on related coverage, see our article on recent developments regarding hybrid warfare tactics globally.