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Lithuania Declares Emergency Amid Belarusian Balloon Incursion

12/9/2025

Summary

Story summary

Lithuania declared a state of emergency on December 9, 2025, after a Belarusian balloon incursion shut Vilnius Airport on December 6, marking the fifth disruption since October 27, 2025.
Authorities labeled the incident a "hybrid attack" amid provocations in the Russo-Ukrainian war.
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) says incursions are part of Russia's psychological campaign against NATO.
Lithuania closed Belarus border crossings and warned of further restrictions.

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Story summary

Lithuania declared a state of emergency on December 9, 2025, after a Belarusian balloon incursion shut Vilnius Airport on December 6, marking the fifth disruption since October 27, 2025.
Authorities labeled the incident a "hybrid attack" amid provocations in the Russo-Ukrainian war.
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) says incursions are part of Russia's psychological campaign against NATO.
Lithuania closed Belarus border crossings and warned of further restrictions.