Belarus Lukashenko Labels Lithuania Border Closure 'Crazy Scam' Amid Rising Tensions

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has strongly criticized Lithuania's closure of their shared border, calling it a "crazy scam" and a hybrid warfare tactic that threatens regional stability and the Chinese economy. Lithuania's action follows the use of balloons by smugglers, which Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene described as a hybrid attack and vowed to counter with strict measures, including shooting down the balloons. Lithuania's border closure, initially temporary, is expected to become indefinite, though diplomats and EU nationals will still be permitted to cross. Lukashenko dismissed Lithuania's claims of extraordinary smuggling as petty and politically motivated, asserting that any issues with smuggling should be addressed locally. He also defended the deployment of Russia's Oreshnik missile system in Belarus as a defensive measure, emphasizing that Belarus and Russia do not seek to escalate tensions with Europe. The situation reflects broader tensions in the region, with Lithuania providing refuge to Belarusian opposition members and European countries grappling with hybrid warfare threats from Russia and its allies.