Lithuania summons Belarus diplomat over airspace violation

Lithuania has summoned Belarus’ chargé d’affaires for the fourth time after another reported violation of its airspace, escalating tensions between the two neighbouring countries.

According to Lithuanian authorities, cited by LRT, the latest incident occurred on the night of May 13, when meteorological balloons launched from Belarus entered Lithuanian airspace.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it issued a formal protest to the Belarusian diplomat, condemning the repeated breaches.

Officials stressed that the incident posed a serious risk to aviation safety, noting that it forced the temporary closure of airspace over Vilnius Airport.

Lithuania also characterised the recurring violations as a form of hostile activity.

According to the ministry, the Lithuanian side informed the Belarusian representative that it considers such actions a hybrid attack against the country and holds Minsk responsible.

By Tamilla Hasanova