We support the actions of our friend Lithuania in response to the regular launch of smuggling balloons from Belarus into its territory, as well as the need to respond to these steps not only by Lithuania, but also by the EU as a whole.

Such actions by the Belarusian regime pose a threat to the safety of international flights to/from Lithuanian airports, the life and health of citizens, property and the environment. 

This is yet another manifestation of the Lukashenko regime's hybrid attacks not only against Lithuania and NATO's eastern flank, but also against EU member states in general. Undoubtedly, Minsk is not acting alone. The Russian Federation is providing support in the implementation of such acts of violation of Lithuanian airspace.

Previous hostile actions also included targeted operations to seize EU companies' assets in the Republic of Belarus, blackmail, acts of sabotage, and the spread of propaganda and disinformation.

Russia, with the involvement of its vassals, is demonstrating its readiness to expand its aggression and destabilisation policy not only to Ukraine but also to the rest of Europe.

We insist on the need to increase pressure on those who participate in the aggression against Ukraine and destabilise the European continent, including through the introduction of new and additional existing individual and sectoral sanctions against Belarus, its individuals and legal entities.

Efficiency, determination and unity are crucial to countering Russian aggression, restoring Ukraine's territorial integrity and approaching genuine, just and lasting peace – for Ukraine, Europe and the transatlantic area.

Ukraine expresses its full solidarity with Lithuania and remains ready to share the experience gained during the war, in particular technological solutions.