The European Union is set to expand sanctions against Belarus due to actions considered “hybrid attacks” on EU countries. Lithuania has revealed that the sanctions will now include activities that go beyond traditional political or economic pressure.
In recent weeks, Lithuania has faced a growing security threat from Belarus, which has launched a wave of unusual and disruptive activities. These actions forced Lithuania to declare a state of emergency and request military support for border and security forces to manage the situation effectively.
Hybrid Attacks Disrupt Air Traffic and Borders
The unusual threat involves large white balloons sent from Belarus carrying small cargo, including smuggled cigarettes. Over the past ten weeks, these balloons repeatedly disrupted Lithuania’s main airport, forcing shutdowns and flight delays. On one occasion, airspace was closed completely for 11 hours, leaving thousands of travelers stranded and causing major disruption to airline schedules.
Although the balloons began as smuggling operations, Lithuanian authorities, including Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys, believe they are now being used in a more aggressive and deliberate way. The balloons are targeted at the airport and other sensitive areas rather than random countryside locations. Experts describe this as hybrid activity, where organized crime is leveraged to create political or security pressure.
Security teams noted that the balloons are released in precise sequences to maximize disruption. Radar systems track the balloons, while military police patrol border areas at night to intercept shipments. New laws now make acts of sabotage against civil aviation punishable by prison. A €1 million prize has been offered for an effective method to safely stop or intercept the balloons.
Simonas Bartkus, CEO of Vilnius Airport, reported that airlines have been forced to reroute flights, reduce schedules, or move operations to other cities. Travelers now check weather and wind forecasts before booking, as balloon traffic often depends on wind direction. The economic impact of these disruptions is significant, with airport and airline losses estimated at around €2 million.
Lithuania Calls for Stronger EU Sanctions
Lithuania is urging the EU to expand sanctions on Belarus to cover hybrid activities. Such measures would target individuals, companies, or organizations involved in carrying out or supporting these attacks.
Budrys emphasized that these actions are not ordinary crime. The balloons’ deliberate targeting of vital infrastructure, like the airport, suggests an attempt to influence political decisions. Authorities argue that Belarus, led by Alexander Lukashenko, is using smuggling as a tool for hybrid warfare.
Vilmantas Vitkauskas, who runs Lithuania’s crisis management centre, highlighted that balloons are released in sequences designed to disrupt key areas, showing deliberate planning rather than accidental smuggling. Belarus could stop the balloon traffic but chooses not to, indicating potential state involvement and a strategic motive behind the operations.
The balloon incidents have caused real economic damage. Airlines and airports estimate losses around €2 million. Travelers face delays and uncertainty, while authorities adjust operations to minimize disruption and protect public safety.
Rising Tensions Highlight Hybrid Threats
This situation shows how hybrid threats can affect daily life and national security. Balloons carrying contraband may seem harmless, but when deliberately targeted at critical infrastructure, they pose serious challenges for authorities.
The EU is expected to expand sanctions to address these hybrid activities. Lithuania has been at the forefront of urging this response, highlighting risks to security and the need for coordinated international action. Military and police remain on high alert, using radar and patrols to manage ongoing balloon traffic.
By widening sanctions to cover hybrid tactics, the EU aims to ensure that aggressive actions, even when disguised as smuggling, carry consequences and cannot destabilize neighboring countries.
