Politico: EU Condemns Belarus' Air Provocations

Vilnius views these incidents as elements of "hybrid warfare".

The European Union condemned a series of incidents with balloons, flying into the airspace of the EU countries from Belarus. However, the final text of the statement was softened due to the position of Hungary, which insisted on the exclusion of direct accusations against the Lukashenko regime, writes Politico (translated by Charter97.org).

A joint statement issued Wednesday by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaia Kallas notes that the union "strongly condemns the persistent and provocative actions of Belarus." The occasion was balloons carrying smuggled cigarettes, which caused Lithuania to temporarily close airports and the border with the neighboring country.

Vilnius says the incidents are an element of "hybrid warfare" against the West. The EU statement said the balloons "are not simply means of smuggling, but occur in the context of a broader targeted hybrid campaign that also includes organized state-sponsored migration." Brussels emphasized that sanctions against Lukashenko's regime are already in place and the EU is ready to impose additional measures if the provocations continue.

An earlier draft statement contained language about the "direct or deliberate involvement of the Lukashenko regime," but Budapest insisted on its deletion. Hungary, which traditionally takes a soft stance toward Moscow and Minsk, has again caused protracted negotiations between EU countries.

"Overall, the statement turned out to be quite tough, but it is a compromise version," an EU diplomat said on condition of anonymity. Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kiastutis Budrys said the incidents show the need to strengthen the EU's joint defense capabilities and impose new sanctions against Belarus.

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