Meteorological balloons from Belarus carry contraband and are viewed as part of Russian hybrid warfare by EU border guards.
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Dozens of meteorological balloons, sometimes carrying up to fifty kilograms, are regularly sent from Belarusian territory westward towards Polish and Lithuanian borders, often carried by favorable winds. While contraband like cigarettes is the most common cargo, governments view this phenomenon as a form of current Russian hybrid warfare. The incidents have led to significant disruptions, such as Lithuania having to close its main airport fifteen times last autumn due to balloons. Authorities in both countries are investigating organized crime groups involved in smuggling. A Belarusian source suggested that regime representatives profit from the smuggling while simultaneously disrupting neighboring airspace and testing border defenses. In response, the Lithuanian government declared a state of emergency and offered a million-euro reward for an effective solution, though there are concerns that balloons could eventually carry explosives or incendiary devices.
