Lithuania Declares National Emergency Over Belarusian Balloon Incursions
Lithuania, a NATO member, has declared a national emergency due to balloons crossing into its airspace from Belarus, a close ally of Russia. The Lithuanian government has expressed concerns over national security and disruptions to civil aviation, labeling the situation as a form of hybrid warfare. Interior Minister Vladislav Kondratovič emphasized the need for closer coordination among institutions to address the threat. The balloons are seen as a danger to human life, property, and the environment. This development comes amid heightened tensions between Lithuania and Belarus, with the latter being used as a staging ground for Russian military operations in Ukraine. The Lithuanian government has taken steps to involve the military in its response, and the situation will be reviewed in a month. 
