Lithuania lodged a protest with Belarus regarding violations of its airspace, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Lithuania reported on Wednesday.
The temporary chargé d'affaires of Belarus was summoned to the ministry, where a strong protest was lodged in connection with the repeated and increasing violations of airspace by the neighboring country.
"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that violations of the state border are a gross violation of international law and called on the Republic of Belarus to ensure control over its airspace," the statement said.
As reported, several dozen contraband balloons flew into Lithuania on the night from Tuesday to Wednesday. As a result, the operation of Vilnius Airport was disrupted, affecting about 30 flights and more than 4,000 passengers, while the border crossing points with Belarus, "Mėdininkai" and "Šalčininkai," were temporarily closed.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also reminded of previous violations of Lithuania's airspace by Belarus and demanded an investigation into them and measures to prevent their recurrence.
The ministry warned that in the event of repeated illegal violations of airspace, Lithuania reserves the right to take appropriate retaliatory measures.
If the situation with the mass launch of contraband balloons from Belarus to Lithuania recurs, Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė promises a complete closure of the borders with the neighboring country.
Currently, two border crossing points are operational on the Lithuania-Belarus border - "Mėdininkai" and "Šalčininkai."
