The Lithuanian government has decided to open two border crossing points on the border with Belarus, which were previously temporarily closed due to balloons carrying contraband.
This was stated by Lithuania’s Minister of the Interior, Vladislav Kondratovich, according to Ukrinform, citing sources.
In light of the National Security Commission’s decision, adopted on November 18 this year, that circumstances have changed and the restrictions on crossing the state border, established on October 29, 2025, are no longer necessary to ensure internal security, it is appropriate to lift the restrictions set by the aforementioned resolution
– The Minister
Actions and Government Response
It is noted that border crossing points “Medininkai” and “Šalčininkai” will be opened.
The country’s Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene stated that the National Security Commission recommends opening these border crossings in light of the fact that the flow of contraband balloons has decreased and the operation of Lithuanian airports is no longer disrupted.
She said that preparations for opening the border will take one day. At the same time, Ruginiene noted that if the level of threat increases, the border will be closed again.
According to the head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs Kondratovich, opening the border crossings should allow Lithuanian trucks to return from Belarus, but there is yet to be a concrete response from Minsk.
The information we receive allows us to assume that the other side has indeed taken certain steps so that this activity, even if not completely stopped, at least sent a very clear signal
– Gitanas Nausėda
On Wednesday, the country’s president Gitanas Nausėda stated that the reduction in the number of contraband balloons entering Lithuania is not related to weather conditions. According to him, Lukashenko’s regime acts through the stance demonstrated by Lithuania and its allies.
“The information we receive allows us to assume that the other side has indeed taken certain steps so that this activity, if not fully stopped, at least sent a very clear signal,” he said.
As previously reported, at the end of October Lithuania planned to respond to airspace violations by contraband balloons, and it was noted that flights over the country were affecting the operation of airports.
As part of operations to detect contraband activity, four people were detained. Belarus, in response, restricted the movement of Polish and Lithuanian trucks, causing thousands of trucks to be stranded at the border.