The Government of Lithuania Has Closed the Border with Belarus for a Month, with Exceptions 0 15

"We are introducing projects aimed at resolving the tense situation at the border and in airports. We believe that these changes should serve as a real signal to our not-so-friendly neighbor, which is making no efforts to address the problem," said Interior Minister Vladislav Kondratovich at a meeting.

By the decision of the Cabinet of Ministers, the border crossing "Šalčininkai-Benyakoni" is completely closed.

Traffic through the border crossing "Mėdininkai-Kameny Log" is restricted.

The ban on movement through this crossing does not apply to diplomats, diplomatic mail, individuals traveling under simplified transit documents, Lithuanian citizens returning to Lithuania, and their family members.

It also does not apply to citizens of European Union states, European Economic Area countries, NATO countries, and their family members entering the country, foreigners returning to the country based on valid residence permits in Lithuania, as well as foreign citizens with humanitarian visas.

The government has instructed the State Border Guard Service of Lithuania (SBGSL) to organize and ensure the implementation of this ban, including the entry and exit of individuals from Lithuania for humanitarian reasons.

"Today, Lithuania is facing a hybrid attack; things need to be called by their names," stated Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė.

She noted that she understands this decision will create inconveniences for some residents.

"But we take security very seriously, and we believe that today the priority is the safety of all citizens. (...) I ask everyone to focus; this step is necessary today," emphasized the head of government.

The decision will be in effect until November 30, after which the Cabinet will decide whether to extend the ban.

Last week, Lithuanian airports were closed four times due to meteorological balloons used for transporting smuggled cigarettes. This affected a total of more than 140 flights and over 20,000 passengers.

The army has been authorized to shoot down such objects. In turn, President Gitanas Nausėda proposed to limit the transport of Belarusian goods under the Kaliningrad transit scheme and called on the EU to respond collectively to the threat posed by the aerostats.

The only two previously operating border crossing points, "Mėdininkai" and "Šalčininkai," were closed on Sunday evening by the decision of the SBGSL.