Belarus suspends bus services to Latvia, Lithuania amid border closures

The Belarusian state-owned transport company Minsktrans has announced the temporary suspension of several bus routes to Latvia and Lithuania following the closure of Lithuanian border checkpoints.

The suspension affects routes to Riga, Vilnius, and Kaunas, as well as return journeys scheduled for October 27–29, Caliber.Az reports, citing the company’s press service.

The decision comes amid newly imposed border restrictions that have disrupted regular passenger transportation between Belarus and the neighboring EU member states.

In its statement, Minsktrans assured passengers that they would receive a full refund for tickets purchased for the canceled routes.

Lithuania has suspended crossings at the Medininkai and Šalčininkai border checkpoints with Belarus as of 21:30 on October 24, affecting both vehicles and pedestrians.

“This security measure is intended to safeguard Lithuania, following the launch of weather balloons from Belarusian territory on the evening of October 24,” the Lithuanian State Border Guard Service stated.

This marks the second closure of the week prompted by meteorological balloons originating from Belarus. Previously, the border was closed from 02:30 to 09:00 on October 22 night. Lithuanian authorities have indicated they are prepared to maintain extended closures should the situation persist. Meanwhile, Belarus has received a formal note of protest.

By Vafa Guliyeva