Lithuania Reopens Border Crossings with Belarus Amid Balloon Incidents

On November 20, 2025, Lithuania reopened two of its six border crossings with Belarus—Medininkai and Šalcininkai—after a closure that began in late October due to disruptions caused by balloons allegedly used for smuggling contraband cigarettes. The decision to reopen was influenced by a decrease in airspace violations and is expected to facilitate the return of stranded Lithuanian trucks and resume trade activities.

Lithuania to reopen border crossings at midnight (1 p.m. Minsk time)Lithuania Reopens Belarus Border After Tensions Over Balloon IncidentsEuronewsContrary to earlier plans, Lithuania reopens border checkpoints with BelarusLithuania reopens border crossings with Belarus after security incidentsVilnius airport closed due to balloons soon after reopening of borderReutersLithuania reopens border crossings with Belarus after reduction in airspace incidents

The border closures were implemented on October 29, 2025, following multiple incursions by balloons that disrupted air traffic, including temporary closures at Vilnius Airport. Lithuanian authorities attributed these balloon incidents to organized smuggling networks operating from Belarus, which they described as a "hybrid attack" orchestrated by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. The situation escalated tensions between the two countries, with Lithuania accusing Belarus of failing to control the smuggling activities.

ReutersLithuania reopens border crossings with Belarus after reduction in airspace incidentsVilnius airport closed due to balloons soon after reopening of borderLithuania to reopen border crossings at midnight (1 p.m. Minsk time)Lithuania Reopens Belarus Border After Tensions Over Balloon IncidentsContrary to earlier plans, Lithuania reopens border checkpoints with BelarusLithuania reopens border crossings with Belarus after security incidentsEuronews

• Inga Ruginiene: Prime Minister of Lithuania, who indicated that the reopening was a response to improved circumstances regarding airspace violations.

Lithuania to reopen border crossings at midnight (1 p.m. Minsk time)

• Vladislav Kondratovich: Lithuanian Interior Minister, who stated that the restrictions were no longer necessary for domestic security.

Lithuania reopens border crossings with Belarus after reduction in airspace incidents

• Alexander Lukashenko: President of Belarus, who criticized the border closure as a "crazy scam" and accused the West of waging a hybrid war against Belarus.

Reuters

The Lithuanian government announced that the reopening of the border crossings was due to a significant reduction in airspace incidents, with the last closure of Vilnius Airport occurring over a week prior. Kondratovich noted, “The circumstances have changed and the state border crossing limitations are no longer needed to ensure domestic security.” In contrast, Lukashenko condemned the border closure, asserting that it was part of a broader Western strategy against Belarus.

ReutersLithuania reopens border crossings with Belarus after reduction in airspace incidentsVilnius airport closed due to balloons soon after reopening of borderLithuania Reopens Belarus Border After Tensions Over Balloon IncidentsContrary to earlier plans, Lithuania reopens border checkpoints with BelarusEuronewsLithuania to reopen border crossings at midnight (1 p.m. Minsk time)Lithuania reopens border crossings with Belarus after security incidents

Lukashenko has characterized the border closure as a foolish act, accusing neighboring countries of escalating tensions. He has also threatened to impound Lithuanian trucks stranded in Belarus if the border remained closed. Critics argue that the situation reflects ongoing geopolitical tensions and the complexities of border security in the region.

Vilnius airport closed due to balloons soon after reopening of borderReutersContrary to earlier plans, Lithuania reopens border checkpoints with BelarusLithuania Reopens Belarus Border After Tensions Over Balloon IncidentsLithuania reopens border crossings with Belarus after reduction in airspace incidentsEuronewsLithuania to reopen border crossings at midnight (1 p.m. Minsk time)Lithuania reopens border crossings with Belarus after security incidents

While Lithuania reported a decrease in balloon incursions, the exact number of balloons that disrupted air traffic remains unclear. Reports indicate that over 500 unauthorized aerial devices have entered Lithuanian airspace this year, raising concerns among neighboring countries like Latvia and Poland. Additionally, the number of Lithuanian trucks stranded in Belarus varies, with estimates ranging from 1,200 to 1,265 vehicles.

Lithuania reopens border crossings with Belarus after security incidents

The reopening of the border is contingent on the continued reduction of airspace violations. Lithuanian officials have warned that if balloon incursions resume, they reserve the right to reinstate border closures. The situation remains dynamic, with ongoing discussions between Lithuanian and Belarusian customs officials regarding trade and smuggling issues.

Lithuania Reopens Belarus Border After Tensions Over Balloon IncidentsContrary to earlier plans, Lithuania reopens border checkpoints with BelarusReutersLithuania reopens border crossings with Belarus after reduction in airspace incidentsVilnius airport closed due to balloons soon after reopening of borderLithuania to reopen border crossings at midnight (1 p.m. Minsk time)EuronewsLithuania reopens border crossings with Belarus after security incidents

• “The circumstances have changed and the state border crossing limitations are no longer needed to ensure domestic security,” — Vladislav Kondratovich, Lithuanian Interior Minister

Reuters

• “crazy scam” — Alexander Lukashenko, President of Belarus

Reuters

• “If the situation gets worse again, we reserve the right to close the borders at any time,” — Inga Ruginiene, Prime Minister of Lithuania

Euronews