Lithuania–Belarus border closed temporarily; transport operators urged to adjust routes
International road transport operators are advised to adjust their routes following the announcement by Lithuanian authorities of the closure of border crossings between Lithuania and Belarus. The National Road Transport Agency (ANTA) stated that this measure was implemented for national security reasons, following repeated border incidents involving suspicious weather balloons launched from Belarus.
The authorities in Vilnius have stated that a decision on the possible indefinite closure of the border will be considered at the Government meeting on October 29.
ANTA recommends that international road transport operators factor the situation into route planning to avoid delays and operational difficulties caused by border restrictions.
Lithuania has announced it is closing its border with Belarus for an indefinite period amid a growing number of incidents involving suspicious balloons entering Lithuanian airspace. Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė made the announcement after the National Security Committee meeting on October 27 in Vilnius.
The Prime Minister specified that only diplomats and EU citizens leaving that country will be allowed to cross the border with Belarus.
In addition to the border closure, the army will actively take kinetic measures to shoot down the balloons.
The Vilnius government also plans to toughen penalties for smuggling, a measure that is yet to be adopted by Parliament.
Inga Ruginienė also asked the Foreign Ministry to promote additional sanctions at the European Union level against Belarus and to discuss joint measures with Poland and Latvia, DW reports.
At the same time, the Vilnius government is considering contacting NATO for security consultations under Article 4 of the North Atlantic Treaty.
