Lithuania Strengthens Transit Restrictions and Closes Borders Amid Smuggling Threats from Belarus
In response to the escalating threat of smuggling and attempts to breach borders with Belarus, Lithuania announced a series of measures including the restriction of transit to Kaliningrad and strengthening border security.
Last week, Lithuanian authorities reported steps taken to limit transit through increased patrols and cooperation with military agencies to combat the spread of contraband items.
President Gitanas Nausėda emphasized that the smuggling situation, especially involving hybrid attack methods, poses a serious threat to national security and requires decisive actions.
These actions include not only border closures but also heightened internal and external security measures, particularly at Vilnius airport, where multiple incidents involved meteorological balloons used for smuggling.
The Ministry of Interior announced the formation of a joint law enforcement group that will unify all relevant agencies to conduct coordinated operations against smuggling activities.
Meanwhile, Russian military aircraft repeatedly violated Lithuanian airspace, prompting interceptions by Eurofighter Typhoon jets.
All these measures are part of Lithuania’s comprehensive response to the worsening situation caused by external factors and modern hybrid tactics aimed at destabilization and provocations against the state.