Moscow: Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has strongly criticized Lithuania’s decision to close its border with Belarus, calling it a “crazy scam” and accusing the Baltic nation of waging a “hybrid war.” His remarks come amid rising tensions between the two countries following a series of alleged airspace violations involving balloons launched from Belarus.
Lithuania recently shut down its last two operational border crossings at Medininkai and Šalčininkai, citing national security concerns. Authorities claim that balloons carrying contraband, mostly cigarettes, have repeatedly crossed into Lithuanian territory, forcing temporary airport closures and flight delays around Vilnius. Officials described the incidents as “hybrid attacks” designed to destabilize the country.
According to reports from Lithuanian security services, more than sixty balloons were detected crossing the border in a single night. The disruptions led to flight delays affecting thousands of passengers and heightened fears of foreign interference. Lithuania’s Prime Minister, Inga Ruginienė, said the government is considering invoking NATO’s Article 4, which allows members to consult on security threats.
Lukashenko, however, dismissed Lithuania’s actions as politically motivated and harmful to regional trade. He claimed that closing the border would hurt not only Belarus but also international commerce, including trade routes linked to China. The Belarusian leader also defended the deployment of Russia’s “Oreshnik” missile system on Belarusian soil, saying it was intended for defense, not aggression.
Relations between Lithuania and Belarus have been tense for years. Lithuania hosts exiled members of the Belarusian opposition and has frequently accused Minsk of cooperating with Moscow to pressure NATO’s eastern flank through hybrid tactics. Lithuanian officials argue that the latest wave of balloon incidents fits into that pattern.
Security analysts warn that the standoff could escalate if Lithuania keeps the crossings closed indefinitely. The move affects cross-border travel and trade, with limited exceptions made for EU citizens and diplomats. NATO members are monitoring the situation closely, viewing the developments as part of a broader test of the alliance’s ability to respond to unconventional threats.
As both sides exchange accusations, the Baltic region faces renewed uncertainty. For Lithuania, the focus remains on safeguarding national security. For Belarus, the priority appears to be maintaining its position as a key ally of Russia while fending off growing Western pressure.