US EditionPublished • loading... • Updated
Lukashenko says Lithuania's border closure a 'crazy scam'
Lithuania closed its border and airports after dozens of illegal cigarette balloons from Belarus, calling it a hybrid attack and arresting several suspects, officials said.
- Last week, Lithuania shut its last two border crossings with Belarus and closed Vilnius and Kaunas airports after dozens of airborne devices forced temporary shutdowns.
- The Lithuanian government framed the episode as a `hybrid attack`, with Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene saying Belarusian authorities' inaction suggests involvement.
- Several people were arrested after trying to recover the cigarettes loaded on the balloons, Belarusian Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov called Lithuania's accusations a `provocation` and Belarus summoned the Lithuanian embassy's charge d'affaires in protest.
- Lithuania will decide on Wednesday how long to keep the border closed, and the Lithuanian army has been authorised to shoot down such balloons.
- The incident fits into broader tensions as Lithuania hosts Belarus' exiled opposition and many European nations say hybrid attacks have soared recently, blaming Russian President Vladimir Putin's government.
Insights by Ground AI
7 Articles
7 Articles
They come from Belarus and are used to smuggle cigarettes, but according to the government they would be another hybrid war tactic.
·Italy
Read Full Article
Lukashenko hits back at the West for 'barbed wire' hybrid war
MOSCOW - Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said on Tuesday that Lithuania's closure of the border was a \"crazy scam\" and accused the West of fighting a hybrid war against Belarus and Russia that was ushering in a new era of barbed wire division. Read more at straitstimes.com.
·Singapore
Read Full Article
Coverage Details
Total News Sources7
Leaning Left2Leaning Right2Center2Last UpdatedBias Distribution34% Left, 33% Center, 33% Right
Bias Distribution
- 34% of the sources lean Left, 33% of the sources are Center, 33% of the sources lean Right
34% Left
L 34%
C 33%
R 33%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
