Lithuania Plans Indefinite Closure of Belarus Border Crossings

Lithuania’s Prime Minister, Inga Ruginienė, announced on Monday that the country intends to close its border crossings with Belarus indefinitely. This decision follows a series of disruptions at Vilnius Airport caused by suspected sightings of balloons allegedly used for smuggling cigarettes across the border. The situation escalated over the weekend when air traffic was suspended on three consecutive evenings, leading to numerous flight cancellations and delays.

The National Security Commission convened following these incidents, which also disrupted operations at Kaunas Airport, located further from the Belarusian frontier. Both border crossings at Medininkai and Šalčininkai were closed for several hours due to the balloon sightings, prompting the Lithuanian border guard service to impose a temporary closure of 24 hours on Sunday night.

As of now, Ruginienė indicated that the restrictions will remain in place until at least Wednesday, when her Cabinet is expected to review the situation and potentially extend the closure indefinitely. According to the BNS news agency, a draft decision has already been prepared to formalize this indefinite closure, with specific exemptions for diplomats and diplomatic mail. Citizens from Lithuania and other European Union nations will still be permitted to enter from Belarus.

Ruginienė emphasized the need for heightened security measures, stating, “The situation necessitates a robust response to ensure the safety of our borders.” The Prime Minister’s comments follow remarks from Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who lives in exile in Lithuania. She described the balloon incidents as “yet another sign that the regime is using cigarette smuggling as a tool of hybrid aggression against Europe.” Tsikhanouskaya expressed her support for Lithuania’s actions and highlighted the importance of strengthening sanctions against those involved in cigarette smuggling.

Lithuania, a member of both the NATO and the European Union, occupies a strategic position on the eastern flank of the Western alliance. It shares borders with Russia’s Kaliningrad exclave and Russia-aligned Belarus, making security along its borders a critical concern. The government’s decision to consider an indefinite closure reflects a broader strategy to address potential threats and safeguard national security.

The move has garnered attention not only within Lithuania but across Europe, as it underscores the ongoing tensions in the region and the challenges posed by smuggling activities. As the situation develops, Lithuania’s government remains committed to protecting its borders and ensuring the safety of its citizens.