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Lithuania Declares Emergency Amid Belarusian Balloon Crisis

12/15/2025

Summary

Story summary

Lithuania declared a state of emergency after a spike in Belarusian balloon incursions, with over 600 balloons and 200 drones reported in the past year.
Balloons, used to smuggle cigarettes, disrupted air traffic, causing over 350 delays and losses above €750,000.
U.S. envoy John Coale said Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko pledged to halt incursions.
Experts say the balloons may be part of a strategy to pressure Lithuania amid NATO distrust.

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Story summary

Lithuania declared a state of emergency after a spike in Belarusian balloon incursions, with over 600 balloons and 200 drones reported in the past year.
Balloons, used to smuggle cigarettes, disrupted air traffic, causing over 350 delays and losses above €750,000.
U.S. envoy John Coale said Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko pledged to halt incursions.
Experts say the balloons may be part of a strategy to pressure Lithuania amid NATO distrust.