Lithuania’s ambassador to NATO, Darius Jauniškis, says that the recent wave of smuggler balloons entering Lithuanian airspace from Belarus should be treated as an internal issue rather than a NATO matter.
“I always like to remind people that alongside NATO’s Articles 4 and 5, there is also Article 3, which states that every country must invest appropriately in its own defence,” Jauniškis told LRT RADIO.
“I believe the balloons are our internal matter, and we must find the capabilities and resources to deal with this misfortune ourselves,” he said. “We are a good example of how we managed to stop illegal migration, and I think we can also find the creativity and resources to stop this problem as well.”
Earlier this week, several dozen weather balloons used by smugglers to transport cigarettes crossed from Belarus into Lithuania, disrupting operations at Vilnius Airport. The incident affected about 30 flights and more than 4,000 passengers and prompted a six-hour closure of the Medininkai and Šalčininkai border checkpoints.
Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė said Wednesday that Lithuania will completely close its border with Belarus if such incidents continue. She also announced plans to impose tougher penalties for smuggling and to work with Lithuanian businesses on technical measures to prevent the balloons from entering the country.
Newsletter
Every Friday morning.
