:watermark(https://f.pmo.ee//logos/4133/bb989514d16b88b940b51f02e07642d0.png,-2p,-2p,0,18,none):format(webp)/nginx/o/2025/11/19/17286313t1hd893.jpg "17286313t1hd893.jpg")
Following weeks of heightened tensions and reciprocal border measures, Lithuania will partially reopen its border wiht Belarus on Thursday, reversing restrictions enacted last month amidst a dispute over alleged security threats from Minsk.The move to reinstate operations at the Šalčininkai and Medininkai checkpoints-after similar delays announced by poland in solidarity with Lithuania-comes as Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko recently threatened to retaliate against lithuanian truckers by seizing over 1,000 trucks. Lithuanian officials cite a diminished security risk following a review, though the situation remains fluid in the region as broader geopolitical concerns persist.
Lithuania will reopen two of its border crossings with Belarus on Thursday, reversing restrictions imposed last month amid concerns over escalating incidents involving contraband balloons and disruptions to air traffic.
The decision to reinstate operations at the Šalčininkai and Medininkai checkpoints comes after a review of the security situation, officials said. The move signals a potential easing of tensions between the two countries, though concerns remain about regional stability.
Lithuania initially closed the border crossings on October 29 in response to a growing number of incidents involving balloons originating from Belarus. These balloons repeatedly interfered with operations at Vilnius Airport, prompting the government to take action.
During a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Interior Minister Vladas Kondratovičs stated that a National Security Commission meeting the previous day concluded that “the circumstances have changed” and the restrictions imposed on October 29 were “no longer necessary to guarantee internal security.” He added that it would be “reasonable” to lift them.
The Šalčininkai checkpoint had been fully closed on October 30, while operations at Medininkai were limited to specific categories of travelers.
Exceptions to the border restrictions included diplomats, individuals transporting Lithuanian diplomatic mail, those traveling in transit to and from the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad, citizens of Lithuania and the European Union, their family members, and individuals holding Lithuanian residence permits or humanitarian visas.
