Belarusian President Murka Borders With Lithuania Closed, Considers 'Crazy Fraud'

JAKARTA - Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said the closure of the border with Belarus by Lithuania was a "crazy fraud" and accused Vilnius of carrying out a hybrid war that threatens China's economy.

Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene said on Monday her country would start shooting down balloon smugglers crossing the border from Belarus, which has repeatedly disrupted the Baltic country's air traffic.

Belarus' state news agency, BETTA, quoted Lukashenko as saying Lithuania "proposes a absurd reason, these balloons, even for small countries like Lithuania."

Lithuania and Belarus have long clashed over Vilnius who provided shelter for members of the exiled Belarusian opposition.

BETA also quoted Lukashenko as saying the deployment of Russia's Orestnik missile system in Belarus was not an aggressive move and aimed at ensuring security.

Russia and Belarus are not interested in escalation of tensions with Europe, Lukashenko said.