Lithuania closes border with Belarus and considers closing border with Russia
On Friday, the Lithuanian government reported the full closure of its border with Belarus.
This decision comes after indications that two out of the six border crossings with Belarus would be shut due to the presence of the Wagner mercenary group in Belarus.
The country’s Interior Minister, Agne Bilotaite, during an interview with Lithuania’s public television (LRT), stated that except for potential humanitarian or diplomatic purposes, the Belarus border remains completely sealed.
Bilotaite also mentioned that closing border passages between Lithuania and Russia is under consideration.
Addressing the proximity to Russia and Belarus, Bilotaite stressed that while Lithuania constantly faces threats, the nation is equipped to address them.
“Being a NATO member, we’ve heavily invested in our defense and people. Our society should feel assured of support. However, we must take measures to ensure our safety,” she added.
Following the border checkpoint closures, no incidents were reported, as affirmed by Saulius Nekrasevicius, the deputy commander of the State Border Guard Service.
The decision to shut the Lithuania-Belarus border follows discussions amongst Baltic states and Poland about the possibility of a complete border closure with Belarus.
A detailed coordination meeting is scheduled in Warsaw on August 28th.
During a recent meeting in Poland, Polish and Latvian presidents, Andrzej Duda and Edgars Rinkeviczs emphasized that the security situation at the Belarus border remains a top priority.
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