Lithuania: Lithuania to close two border crossings with Belarus from Aug. 18

Event

Lithuania will close two of its six border crossings with Belarus from Aug. 18. Lithuanian authorities justified the decision by pointing to geopolitical changes and security tensions with Belarus. The order impacts the Tverecius and Sumskas crossings, which previously only serviced noncommercial vehicles. Traffic from these crossings will divert to the Medininkai crossing. Authorities have not indicated how long the crossings will remain closed.

Transport disruptions, including extended crossing times, are likely at the remaining crossings for the closure duration.

Context

Following PMC Wagner's aborted June 23 coup attempt, thousands of Wagner forces have entered Belarus. Subsequently, tensions have risen between Belarus and its Western neighbors, with Poland and Latvia sending additional troops to the border to dissuade potential incursions.

Advice

Reconfirm all ground travel between Lithuania and Belarus. Allow additional time to clear checks at the Lithuania-Belarus land border.