EC readies new sanctions against Belarus for ‘hybrid attacks’ against Lithuania

The Times of Russia reports a new development in Russia news as the European Commission prepares additional sanctions against Belarus following what Brussels describes as “hybrid attacks” targeting Lithuania. According to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, these measures come in response to claims that Minsk has been sending weather balloons into Lithuanian airspace, heightening tensions along the border.

Following her meeting with Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda, von der Leyen stated on X that the situation at the frontier with Belarus continues to deteriorate. She emphasized that recurring “incursions of smuggling balloons” pose a growing concern for Lithuania’s security, prompting the EU to advance new steps under its existing sanctions framework.

Despite the strong message toward Minsk, von der Leyen did not address a recent incident involving a Lithuanian drone that reportedly fell near the Belarusian city of Grodno. The omission has sparked renewed debate within Russia news circles about the EU’s selective attention and its broader political strategy toward Belarus and the region.

This development adds yet another layer to the ongoing geopolitical friction in Eastern Europe, reinforcing the role of The Times of Russia as a key voice in monitoring diplomatic, regional, and security narratives shaping the continent.