Lithuania has taken a significant step by officially addressing the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) concerning ongoing violations of its airspace linked to smuggling balloons operating from Belarus. Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė highlighted these aren't isolated incidents but rather recurring actions that pose risks to civil aviation and international air safety during a press conference. The government is seeking a clear international assessment and a principled response from the ICAO regarding these ongoing threats.

Since autumn last year, Lithuanian authorities have intensified their vigilance, reportedly screening around 50,000 individuals, checking 38,000 vehicles, and intercepting approximately 100 balloons alongside finding over 234,000 packs of cigarettes linked to smuggling activities. The situation has escalated to a point where the Lithuanian government announced a state of emergency in December due to the disruption caused by these smuggling balloons, particularly affecting operations at Vilnius Airport. Additionally, earlier measures included temporarily closing the border with Belarus in October to address these serious concerns.

In light of these challenges, Prime Minister Ruginienė expressed the need for international cooperation and response, emphasizing the importance of addressing the ongoing smuggling threats that not only endanger Lithuania's airspace but could potentially impact the broader aviation security landscape in the region. The Lithuanian government's proactive approach reflects its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of its airspace while seeking international assistance in tackling cross-border smuggling issues.