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Lithuania Declares Emergency Over Smuggling Balloons from Belarus

12/9/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Lithuania declared a national emergency over security risks from balloons crossing into its airspace from Belarus.
The balloons, used for smuggling, disrupted civil aviation and raised national security concerns.
Interior Minister Vladislav Kondratovic urged closer coordination among institutions.
The emergency allows for military involvement and will be reviewed in a month.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko downplayed the safety concerns.

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Story summary

Lithuania declared a national emergency over security risks from balloons crossing into its airspace from Belarus.
The balloons, used for smuggling, disrupted civil aviation and raised national security concerns.
Interior Minister Vladislav Kondratovic urged closer coordination among institutions.
The emergency allows for military involvement and will be reviewed in a month.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko downplayed the safety concerns.