Weather Balloons at the Heart of Belarus-Lithuania Tensions

Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko has promised to halt weather balloons flying from Belarus into Lithuania, which have been used by cigarette smugglers. The balloons have caused multiple closures of Vilnius airport. Both countries are working to resolve the issue while tensions remain high.

In a recent development, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko has pledged to prevent weather balloons from crossing into Lithuania. These balloons have been implicated in disrupting operations at Vilnius airport, where they have facilitated cigarette smuggling and even led to its temporary closure over a dozen times.

Lithuania has accused Belarus of orchestrating a 'hybrid attack' by supporting this activity, prompting the declaration of a state of emergency. Lithuanian authorities have sought military assistance to combat the smugglers, underlining the gravity of the situation.

Despite assurances from Lukashenko to remedy the issue, European leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, have condemned the actions as 'completely unacceptable,' signaling the extent of the diplomatic strain.

(With inputs from agencies.)