Lithuania has declared an “emergency situation” over an influx of meteorological balloons launched from neighbouring Belarus.

The declaration by Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene on Tuesday came amid growing tension between Lithuania and its neighbour over the balloons, which have previously been used to smuggle cigarettes but are now suspected to be operated by Belarusian security services.

Vilnius has accused Minsk, a close ally of Russia, of mounting a “hybrid attack”, with the flights into Lithuanian airspace leading to the repeated closure of the country’s airports in recent months.

“In combating the Belarusian hybrid attack, we must take the strictest measures and defend the areas most affected,” Ruginiene said.

“All institutions are joining forces to address the threat posed by sm

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