Lithuania to reopen border with Belarus following temporary closure

Lithuanian authorities have announced the early reopening of two key border crossings with Belarus, after more than two weeks of temporary closure.

The Šalčininkai–Benekainys and Medininkai–Kamenyj Log checkpoints will resume operations on November 20, Caliber.Az reports via Lithuanian media. 

Interior Minister Vladislavas Kondratovičius said at a cabinet meeting that the decision follows the National Security Commission’s review on November 18.

“It is therefore appropriate to lift the restrictions on crossing the border set out in the government resolution,” he said, noting that the measures imposed on October 29 were no longer necessary to ensure domestic security.

The border had been closed on October 30 for a month, with some exceptions, amid concerns over smuggling balloons posing risks to civil aviation. The Šalčininkai–Benekainys checkpoint was fully closed, while Medininkai–Kamenyj Log saw limited crossings.

The move comes shortly after Poland reopened two of its border points with Belarus, prompting technical talks between Lithuanian and Belarusian border guards on November 18. Discussions focused on returning lorries stranded in Belarus, as well as addressing smuggling and migration concerns.

Rustamas Liubajevas, head of the State Border Guard Service (VSAT), said Belarus had expressed a willingness to cooperate. Lithuanian border guards, he added, urged their counterparts to halt smuggling and allow Lithuanian trucks held in Belarus to return home.

By Sabina Mammadli