On October 27, 2025, Lithuania’s Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė announced the immediate closure of the country’s border with Belarus following a series of unexplained aerial incursions. Several balloons, believed to have originated from Belarusian territory, entered Lithuanian airspace and disrupted operations at Vilnius International Airport, affecting thousands of passengers and flights.

The Lithuanian government described the incident as a form of “hybrid attack,” suggesting it was part of a broader pattern of non-military pressure tactics by Belarus. In response, Ruginienė urged a coordinated European and NATO reaction, stating that Lithuania may seek consultations under Article 4 of the NATO Treaty, which allows members to discuss security concerns that threaten territorial integrity or political independence.

Belarusian authorities denied responsibility and accused Lithuania of fabricating the incident to escalate regional tensions. The European Union and NATO have not yet issued a formal response, but several EU officials expressed concern about growing instability along the bloc’s eastern border.

This development underscores the continued volatility in Eastern Europe, where hybrid tactics—ranging from cyberattacks and disinformation to airspace violations—have become key tools in geopolitical confrontation.