“When we reopened [border checkpoints] we saw positive signs from the other side of the border. But when the situation changes, we have the right and a possibility to consider other strictest measures. We must convene and discuss all actions that we are taking. We might close the border and a decision will be made if the situation does not improve,” Ruginienė told reporters Monday.
She said the Government’s National Security Commission would meet this week to consider possible response to ongoing actions of Belarusian authorities.
“Contraband balloons were flying and will likely continue to fly. Reopening of the border proved one thing, that we were right – this is a hybrid attack,” said Ruginienė, adding that Belarus still prevents Lithuanian trucks from leaving the country.
On 29 October, Lithuania decided to close the border with Belarus until 30 November due to meteo balloons disrupting air traffic and posing a threat to aviation safety. However, the border was reopened on 19 November. Yet Belarusian authorities still did not allow Lithuanian trucks to leave the country and weather balloons continue to smuggle cigarettes from Belarus, prompting closure of Vilnius Airport several times.
Addressing criticism over the decision to reopen the border sooner, the prime minister said that contraband balloons were also flying two years ago but the previous government did not address the problem and now the opposition has not made any proposals how to tackle the issue.
Ruginienė stressed that Lithuania is in active discussions with the USA, which is in talks with Belarus over the release of political prisoners.
Moreover, she said Lithuania and the European Commission are discussing potential sanctions on Belarus, which has effectively seized Lithuanian trucks.