Europe Asia News

Budrys said that NATO is confronted with hybrid warfare intentionally intensified by Russia and Belarus: “Last week, Russian military aircraft violated Lithuanian airspace. Shortly afterward, dozens of helium balloons launched from Belarus entered our territory, heading toward major airports and disrupting civil aviation.”

He emphasized that these are not isolated incidents: “Germany, Denmark, Estonia, Norway, and Poland have also reported drone, balloon, and military aircraft incursions—all of which disrupt civil aviation and threaten public safety and critical infrastructure.”

Budrys noted that every action—from the Lukashenko regime weaponizing migration to sabotage of Baltic Sea cables—is part of a broader strategy of disruption, adding:

“However, when the EU and NATO respond with unity and resolve, these tactics fail. Europe responded to the migration crisis with coordinated sanctions, strengthened borders, and diplomatic pressure. NATO, after the cable sabotage, activated Baltic Sentry to protect critical infrastructure. The lesson is clear: hybrid threats require collective determination and targeted action.”