EU's von der Leyen calls helium balloons over Lithuania 'a hybrid threat'

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Monday voiced strong support for Lithuania, condemning the repeated incursions of helium-filled smuggling balloons from Belarus as a deliberate provocation.

“This is provocation. We call it by its name, a hybrid threat. We will not tolerate it,” von der Leyen said on X, adding that the incidents highlight the urgency of advancing the EU’s Eastern Flank Watch and European drone defence initiatives.

In response, Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė announced that the country will begin shooting down balloons crossing from Belarus, following a series of disruptions to the Baltic nation’s air traffic. She said the measure was necessary to protect Lithuania’s airspace and ensure public safety amidst the growing frequency of incursions.

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