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Lithuania Closes Airports Amid Smuggling and Security Threats

10/25/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Lithuania closed its two largest airports and border crossings with Belarus on Friday after helium balloons entered its territory.
Authorities say smugglers use these balloons to transport Belarusian cigarettes into the European Union.
Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene said the national security commission will discuss measures against smugglers and Lukashenko's regime.
Lithuania also reported incursions by two Russian planes, prompting NATO to scramble Eurofighter Typhoons.

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Story summary

Lithuania closed its two largest airports and border crossings with Belarus on Friday after helium balloons entered its territory.
Authorities say smugglers use these balloons to transport Belarusian cigarettes into the European Union.
Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene said the national security commission will discuss measures against smugglers and Lukashenko's regime.
Lithuania also reported incursions by two Russian planes, prompting NATO to scramble Eurofighter Typhoons.