Today, December 9, the Lithuanian government declared a state of emergency due to the growing threat posed by smuggle balloons regularly launched from Belarus into the country.
This was reported by LRT.
"It is obvious that the state of emergency is being declared not only due to disruptions in civil aviation, but also due to national security issues and the need for closer coordination between institutions," said Lithuanian Interior Minister Vladislav Kondratovič during a government meeting.
The government resolution states that the reason for declaring the state of emergency is that smuggle balloons are regularly launched from Belarus and drift into Lithuania, posing a threat to national security, as well as to people's lives, health, property and environment.
The head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, appointed as the national operational leader for emergencies, said that the population should not experience disruptions, as the measures taken are narrowly focused.
The documents accompanying the resolution state that closer coordination is needed between the agencies responsible for managing and eliminating the consequences of the crisis. The Ministry of Internal Affairs also stated that the situation is so complex that it requires support from the Lithuanian Armed Forces.
The government also approved a measure granting additional powers to the military during a state of emergency. In particular, the military can assist law enforcement agencies in responding to an emergency situation and mitigating its consequences. The proposal will be submitted to parliament on Tuesday under an accelerated procedure. If approved, the expanded powers will remain in force for three months.
Balloons from Belarus in Lithuania
Smuggle balloons from Belarus have disrupted Vilnius airport dozens of times in recent months and once affected Kaunas airport. According to the Interior Ministry, about 600 smuggle balloons and 200 drones have entered Lithuanian airspace this year. These incidents have disrupted more than 300 flights, affected 47,000 passengers and forced airports to close for about 60 hours.
Lithuanian officials have described the balloons as a hybrid attack by the Belarusian government.
As Ukrainian News Agency earlier reported, Lithuania had earlier asked the European Commission (EC) to help return trucks stuck in Belarus after the country closed its border, as well as to impose additional sanctions over the smuggle balloons.
Belarus previously threatened to take action against Lithuanian trucks that remained in the country after Lithuania closed its border crossings. Ukraine also offered Lithuania assistance in countering the threat from Belarus, and Lithuania offered to support Ukraine with gas.
Who we are: About us, Contacts. How we write news and our principles: Editorial code. We did our best. If you found this valuable – please support us.
To request a correction, please send an email.