Фото: twitter.com/GitanasNauseda
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda has proposed a long-term closure of the border with Belarus and restrictions on transit to Kaliningrad, Delfi reported, citing Elta.
“In the coming days, the government is expected to propose these countermeasures. Among the options under discussion are a long-term closure of the border with Belarus and restrictions on Kaliningrad transit,” the presidential press service said.
The president’s office described the recent recurring incidents as a hybrid attack against Lithuania.
“The incidents of recent days and the disruptions to airport operations are assessed by the president as a hybrid attack against Lithuania, which must be met with both symmetrical and asymmetrical responses,” the statement said.
Due to repeated launches of weather balloons, the Lithuanian president has called an interagency meeting for October 28.
On Saturday at 10:45 p.m., the Medininkai and Šalčininkai border checkpoints were temporarily closed after balloons from Belarus entered Lithuanian airspace. Air traffic at Vilnius Airport was also temporarily suspended.
This was the third such incident in recent days involving balloons from Belarus, leading to the suspension of Lithuanian airports and border crossings with Belarus.
Four suspects have been detained.
Earlier today, Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė also said she does not rule out the possibility of a longer-term border closure with Belarus.