Tensions Soar as Lithuania Closes Skies to Belarus Over 'Hybrid Warfare' Claims

Belarusian President Lukashenko criticized Lithuania's border closure, calling it a 'crazy scam' amid rising tensions with the West. With balloons crossing the border, Lithuania sees hybrid attacks while Lukashenko decries Western escalation. He refutes claims of aggression against Poland and the Baltic states.

Tensions between Belarus and Lithuania have escalated as President Alexander Lukashenko lashed out at Lithuania's decision to close its border with Belarus, terming it a 'crazy scam.' The move comes amid accusations from the West of Belarus and Russia engaging in a hybrid war against Europe.

The closure follows incidents of balloons crossing into Lithuania from Belarus, which the Baltic nation claims are part of a contraband operation. Lithuania has classified these events as hybrid attacks, with EU officials echoing the sentiment by labeling the balloons a 'hybrid threat.'

In a defiant stance, Lukashenko blamed Western escalation for Belarus hosting Russian hypersonic missiles, dismissing claims of his intent to threaten Poland or the Baltic states. He mocked demands for an apology over the balloons and dismissed Western narratives as absurd, further straining Belarus's relations with the EU and NATO.

(With inputs from agencies.)