Lithuania Supports Finland's Decision but Currently Does Not Plan Full Border Closure with Russia
The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Lithuania has indicated its support for Finland's decision to close all border crossings with Russia due to what Finland describes as an organized hybrid attack from Russia. However, Lithuania currently has no plans to fully close its borders with Russia, in contrast to Finland's decision prompted by migration pressure. Spokesperson Mindaugas Bayarunas made this statement, as reported by LRT.
"We currently do not see the need for a regional solution. The Lithuanian border is currently calm. We have clear threat indicators that we will respond to. We are monitoring the situation and will react to any changes," the statement reads.
The ministry stated that Lithuania maintains regular communication with neighboring countries and shares relevant information. President Gitanas Nauseda had previously promised to consider the economically rational closure of borders with Russia and Belarus. This possibility was not ruled out, and discussions on this decision took place within the Ministry of Internal Affairs. In August, Minister of Internal Affairs Agne Bilotaite mentioned discussions about various options, including the closure of the border with the Russian Federation, citing the need to be prepared for different threats.
On November 28, it was announced that Finland would temporarily close the last operational checkpoint on the border with Russia for the next two weeks. This decision was made in response to Russia's attempt to influence Finland through migrants. The closure will take effect at midnight on November 29 and last until December 13.
Henceforth, asylum applications in Finland from individuals arriving from Russia will only be accepted at ports and airports. Importantly, this decision will not affect freight rail transport between Russia and Finland.
The country's Prime Minister emphasized that Russia's attempt to influence Finland's internal affairs was deemed unacceptable in Helsinki. He noted that the decision was based not on specific asylum request numbers but on an overall assessment of the situation.