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Belarus to Halt Weather Balloons Amid Lithuania Crisis

12/13/2025

Summary

Story summary

U.S. envoy John Coale said Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko committed to stopping weather balloons from entering Lithuania.
The balloons, linked to cigarette smuggling, have caused multiple Vilnius airport closures.
Lithuanian officials say the balloons were launched into flight paths, prompting Lithuania to declare a state of emergency and seek military support.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen condemned the incursions as a 'hybrid attack'.

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Story summary

U.S. envoy John Coale said Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko committed to stopping weather balloons from entering Lithuania.
The balloons, linked to cigarette smuggling, have caused multiple Vilnius airport closures.
Lithuanian officials say the balloons were launched into flight paths, prompting Lithuania to declare a state of emergency and seek military support.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen condemned the incursions as a 'hybrid attack'.