Lithuanian PM says Belarus' actions could be recognized as terrorism

VILNIUS - Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene said on Thursday that actions by Minsk, such as smugglers' balloons entering Lithuanian airspace and the blocking of Lithuanian trucks on Belarusian territory, could be recognized as terrorism.

"It is unacceptable that Belarus is holding our haulers' trucks hostage, that balloons are coming from its side and heading toward our strategic facilities and sites, in this case the airport," Ruginiene told reporters.

"We are talking about aviation security and international law, and about the fact that such actions could be recognized as terrorism," she said.

The prime minister said she had received assurances of support from US allies and hoped to meet them in person soon.

Vilnius Airport suspended operations three times on Wednesday evening and in the early hours of Thursday due to the balloon threat.

Ruginiene said she was ready to take uncomfortable decisions to ensure public safety.

"I choose an uncomfortable situation, I choose uncomfortable questions and perhaps public irritation, but I will do everything to make people feel safe," she said.

The prime minister said that several ministries and agencies are working on the issue and that the armed forces are testing new technologies.

"Europe is already asking about our experience. (...) Everyone understands this is a new threat the world was not prepared for, and we will be the first," she said.

Asked why the military was not shooting down the balloons, Ruginiene said she had never used that term.

"I said the armed forces will use all available means, including kinetic ones, after assessing all circumstances," she said.

The prime minister added that while Lithuanian authorities are working hard to counter the balloon threat quickly, results can take time."

"If we look at Ukraine, it has been at war for years and of course one would want it to end quickly. But there are circumstances that make it impossible," she said.

As reported by BNS, weather balloons launched by cigarette smugglers from Belarus have repeatedly forced temporary closures at Vilnius Airport in recent months and once at Kaunas Airport.

Lithuanian politicians say the ongoing balloon incursions are a hybrid attack orchestrated by Minsk.

The incursions prompted Lithuania to shut its two remaining operational border checkpoints with Belarus on October 30.

The crossings reopened on November 20, but Ruginiene has said the government reserves the right to close the border again at any time and for an unlimited period if Belarus' hybrid attack continues.