Overview
- The Cabinet ordered the Šalčininkai crossing closed and limited passage at Medininkai for the next month.
- Access through Medininkai will be limited to some Lithuanian and EU citizens as well as Russians holding Kaliningrad transit permits.
- The move followed balloon sightings that forced Vilnius Airport to suspend air traffic on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
- Lithuanian officials say the balloon incursions are a deliberate act by Russia‑allied Belarus, and the interior minister said the measures are meant to send a clear message.
- Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko denounced the step as a “mad scam” and part of a “hybrid war,” adding Belarus would apologize if its involvement is proven.