Lithuania pledges stronger measures against Belarus over blocked truck exits

Lithuania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has signaled plans to intensify pressure on Belarus after Minsk continued to block the departure of Lithuanian trucks from designated waiting zones, despite the reopening of two border checkpoints.

The ministry characterized Belarus’ actions as an attempt to blackmail and exert undue pressure on Lithuania. “Detaining EU citizens and their property will not change the EU’s principles — international isolation will continue, and pressure will be intensified,” the ministry said, Caliber.Az reports, citing Lithuanian media.

The Salcininkai and Medininkai checkpoints were reopened on November 20, ten days ahead of schedule, following a closure that began on October 29 due to mass incursions of Belarusian weather balloons carrying contraband, which had disrupted airport operations.

The Lithuanian road haulers’ association Linava reports that Belarusian authorities continue to block the exit of Lithuanian trucks, prolonging the logistical and political tensions between the two countries.

Despite the reopening of border checkpoints with Belarus, trucks registered in Lithuania have not entered the country for a second consecutive day, the State Border Guard Service (VSAT) reported.

According to VSAT spokesman Giedrius Mišutis, not a single Lithuanian-registered truck had crossed back into Lithuania as of Friday morning.

“Nothing is changing and it is unclear why they are not coming through,” Mišutis said.

He noted that the checkpoints are fully operational. “The checkpoint is open and has capacity. Passenger cars are crossing, and so are trucks with plates from other countries – mostly from Russia, whose drivers have simplified documents. The checkpoints are operating normally and could certainly handle more vehicles, especially trucks, but none with Lithuanian plates are crossing,” Mišutis said.

He added that after the border reopened, a few Lithuanian trucks did proceed toward the Belarusian side, but none have returned, leaving the situation unresolved.

The continued absence of Lithuanian trucks highlights ongoing tensions and logistical challenges in cross-border transport, even as passenger and foreign commercial traffic flows relatively smoothly.

By Vafa Guliyeva