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Lithuania Declares National Emergency Over Belarus Balloon Incursions

Lithuania Declares National Emergency Over Belarus Balloon Incursions

Lithuania has declared a national emergency due to security threats posed by meteorological balloons from Belarus, which have violated its airspace. These balloons have led to the repeated closure of Vilnius International Airport, affecting over 350 flights and approximately 51,000 passengers. The Lithuanian government views these actions as deliberate disruptions orchestrated by Belarus, which is allied with Russia. The national emergency allows the Lithuanian army to patrol the border and grants them additional rights to conduct searches and detain individuals. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has denied these accusations, calling for negotiations and accusing Lithuania of politicizing the issue.
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Lithuania Declares National Emergency Over Belarusian Balloons Amid Security Concerns

Lithuania Declares National Emergency Over Belarusian Balloons Amid Security Concerns

Lithuania has declared a national emergency due to balloons crossing into its airspace from Belarus, raising national security concerns. The Lithuanian government views these incursions as a form of hybrid warfare, potentially disrupting civil aviation and posing threats to human life and property. The emergency declaration allows for enhanced coordination among state institutions and the involvement of the military. This development comes amid heightened tensions between Lithuania and Belarus, with the latter being a close ally of Russia.
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Lithuania Declares Emergency Over Belarus Balloon Incursions, Citing Security Risks

Lithuania Declares Emergency Over Belarus Balloon Incursions, Citing Security Risks

The Lithuanian government has declared a 'nationwide emergency situation' in response to a series of incursions from Belarus involving weather balloons carrying smuggled cigarettes. Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene described these incursions as a 'hybrid attack' by Belarus, posing significant risks to national security and civil aviation. This year, approximately 600 balloons and nearly 200 drones have entered Lithuanian airspace, leading to the repeated closure of Vilnius airport. Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko denies involvement, claiming the issue has been politicized by Lithuania, a member of both the EU and NATO.
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Lithuania Declares National Emergency Over Smugglers' Balloons from Belarus

Lithuania Declares National Emergency Over Smugglers' Balloons from Belarus

Lithuania has declared a nationwide state of emergency due to a surge in contraband-carrying balloons entering its airspace from Belarus. The Lithuanian government accuses Belarus of using balloons to smuggle contraband cigarettes, causing significant disruptions to air traffic and leading to a border closure. According to Lithuanian Interior Ministry data, at least 600 balloons and 200 drones have entered Lithuania's airspace this year, disrupting over 300 flights and affecting 47,000 passengers. The Lithuanian Interior Minister, Vladislav Kondratovič, emphasized the national security concerns and the need for closer coordination among institutions. The government has requested additional powers for the military to assist law enforcement during the emergency. Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko dismissed Lithuania's response as 'petty.'
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Ukraine Targets Russian Shadow Fleet to Disrupt Oil Sales Amid Sanctions

Ukraine Targets Russian Shadow Fleet to Disrupt Oil Sales Amid Sanctions

Ukraine has reportedly launched attacks on several oil tankers associated with Russia's shadow fleet, aiming to disrupt Moscow's ability to evade international sanctions and continue its oil sales. These operations, which have taken place off the coasts of Turkey and West Africa, are part of Ukraine's broader strategy to undermine Russia's war funding. Ukrainian media, citing intelligence sources, reported that Ukrainian 'Sea Baby' drones targeted the sanctioned oil tankers Kairos and Virat in the Black Sea. The attacks are said to be a joint operation between Ukraine's Security Service and Navy. The Kairos, grounded off Bulgaria's coast, and the Virat were both hit in late November. These actions follow President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's call for stronger international responses to Russia's shadow fleet, which has been accused of violating sanctions and engaging in illicit activities.
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Lithuania Declares National Emergency Over Belarus Balloons Disrupting Airspace

Lithuania Declares National Emergency Over Belarus Balloons Disrupting Airspace

Lithuania has declared a national emergency due to security risks posed by meteorological balloons from Belarus, which have violated its airspace. These balloons have forced the closure of Lithuania's main airport multiple times, affecting thousands of passengers and flights. The Lithuanian government views these actions as deliberate disruptions orchestrated by Belarus, a country allied with Russia. The national emergency allows the Lithuanian army to patrol the border and grants additional rights to conduct searches and detain individuals. The situation has escalated tensions between Lithuania and Belarus, with the latter denying any harmful intent and calling for negotiations.
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Lithuania declares national emergency over security risks posed by balloons from Belarus

Lithuania declares national emergency over security risks posed by balloons from Belarus

Lithuania's government has declared a national emergency over security risks from balloons coming from Belarus
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Lithuania Declares National Emergency Over Belarusian Balloons

Lithuania Declares National Emergency Over Belarusian Balloons

Lithuania, a NATO member, has declared a national emergency due to balloons crossing into its airspace from Belarus. The Lithuanian government cited national security concerns and disruptions to civil aviation as reasons for the emergency declaration. Interior Minister Vladislav Kondratovič emphasized the need for closer coordination among institutions to address the situation. The balloons, reportedly originating from Belarus, a close ally of Russia, have raised security alarms in Lithuania, prompting the government to take immediate action.
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Lithuania Declares State of Emergency Over Belarusian Balloon Incursions

Lithuania Declares State of Emergency Over Belarusian Balloon Incursions

Lithuania has declared a state of emergency due to security threats from smuggler balloons originating from Belarus. These balloons have repeatedly violated Lithuanian airspace, causing disruptions at the main airport and stranding thousands of passengers. The Lithuanian government views these incursions as deliberate acts of disruption by Belarus, which is allied with Russia. The state of emergency allows for military cooperation with police and border guards to address the threat. The situation is part of broader tensions between Lithuania and Belarus, with the latter accused of using hybrid warfare tactics, including pushing asylum seekers across borders.
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Lithuania declares state of emergency over balloons from Belarus

Lithuania declares state of emergency over balloons from Belarus

By Andrius Sytas VILNIUS, Dec 9 (Reuters) - Lithuania on Tuesday declared a state of emergency and asked parliament to authorise military support for police and border guards after a wave of smuggler balloons from Belarus repeatedly disrupted air traffic in recent months.
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NATO Fighters Scrambled in Poland Amid Russian Drone and Missile Strikes on Ukraine

NATO Fighters Scrambled in Poland Amid Russian Drone and Missile Strikes on Ukraine

NATO fighter jets were deployed and air defense systems were put on alert in Poland in response to Russia's latest drone and missile strikes on Ukraine. The Armed Forces Operational Command in Warsaw reported that these actions were preventive, aimed at securing airspace, especially near threatened regions. The alert lasted under four hours, with no violations of Polish airspace observed. The Spanish, Czech, German, and Dutch forces participated in the response. Ukraine's air force reported that Russia launched 653 drones and 51 missiles, with significant impacts across 29 locations. The attack was one of the largest since the invasion began, targeting residential, railway, and energy infrastructure, causing injuries and power disruptions.
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Ukrainian President Zelenskyy Refuses Territorial Concessions Amid European Diplomatic Tour

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy Refuses Territorial Concessions Amid European Diplomatic Tour

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has embarked on a rapid diplomatic tour across Europe, meeting with leaders from the U.K., France, Germany, and the European Union, as well as the Pope in Rome. During this 36-hour trip, Zelenskyy communicated with the media through WhatsApp, a rare move for a world leader, due to time constraints. His primary message was clear: Ukraine will not cede any territory to Russia, despite ongoing negotiations and pressure. Zelenskyy emphasized that both legally and morally, Ukraine cannot surrender land. This stance comes amid uncertain negotiations to end the war, with discussions focusing on whether Ukraine should trade Russian-occupied territories for security guarantees.