Lithuania Closes Two More Border Crossings with Belarus

At midnight on Friday, March 1st, Lithuania will close two more crossings on its border with Belarus – "Lavoriškes" and "Raigardas". The Lithuanian authorities assert that this step is aimed at addressing issues of national security, smuggling, and violations of international sanctions, as reported by LRT.

Following this, only two border crossings with Belarus will remain operational in the country – in Medininkai and Salcininkai. However, pedestrian and cyclist traffic on them will also cease from March 1st.

Additionally, the embarkation and disembarkation of passengers at the railway border crossings of Kyana and Kibartai will be prohibited, except for exceptional cases, decisions regarding which will be made by the State Border Guard Service.

Furthermore, Lithuania has decided to limit by 50 percent the number of permits issued to Belarusian and Lithuanian carriers conducting regular international passenger bus services between the two countries.

It's worth noting that last year, Lithuania's State Security Department warned of Belarusian intelligence attempts to recruit individuals travelling between Lithuania and Belarus.

Recall that on February 21st, the Lithuanian government made the decision to close the border crossing points with Belarus, "Lavoriškes" and "Raigardas", starting from March 1st.

The Gaze publication also reported that neighbouring Latvia has banned the import of agricultural products from Russia and Belarus. This ban extends even to agricultural products of Russian and Belarusian origin imported into Latvia from other countries.

The ban will be in effect until July 1, 2025, with the possibility of further extension if necessary. It pertains to the release of products into circulation in the Latvian market. However, transit of agricultural products from Russia and Belarus to other EU countries is not subject to the ban.

The restriction aims to prevent additional funds from flowing into the state budgets of Russia and Belarus, as well as the export of products by enterprises of these countries to Latvia, which could lead to further escalation of the conflict in Ukraine.

Agricultural and fodder products include products of agriculture, animal husbandry, and fishing, as well as products of primary processing directly related to these products.