Lithuania’s two Belarus border crossings were closed for several hours after dozens of helium-filled weather balloons entered the country, suspected of being used to smuggle cigarettes.
The country’s border guard service decided overnight on Sunday, October 26th, to close the border for 24 hours. Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė said the restrictions will be extended until Wednesday, October 29th, when her cabinet is expected to decide whether to impose the closure indefinitely.
The government in Vilnius has already drafted a plan to shut the border indefinitely with exemptions for diplomats and diplomatic mail. Lithuanian and other European Union citizens would still be allowed to enter.
The incidents also prompted temporary closures at Vilnius and Kaunas airports over three consecutive nights, disrupting flights and causing delays.
