Belarus says over 1,100 trucks stuck at border with Lithuania after closure

GENEVA

Belarus said on Monday that more than 1,100 trucks remain stranded at its border with Lithuania following a unilateral closure by the latter.

The Foreign Ministry, in a post on US social media platform X, said vehicles "are being moved to safe parking zones," and that due to "humanitarian considerations, drivers are given the opportunity to leave."

The ministry blamed Lithuania for the disruption, saying "all losses stem from Vilnius’s politicized actions."

Vilnius announced earlier this week the closure of additional border crossings with Belarus, citing security concerns linked to Russia's war in Ukraine and Minsk's ties with Moscow.

Tensions between Belarus and its EU neighbors have further escalated in recent weeks. Lithuania shut the border last month, accusing Minsk of facilitating cigarette smuggling using hot balloons.

On Oct. 31, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, in retaliation, signed a decree prohibiting Polish and Lithuanian trucks from operating in the country until the end of 2027.