Belarus Refuses Lithuanian Request to Let Stranded Trucks Reenter via Šalčininkai
The standoff follows Lithuania’s monthlong halt to vehicle crossings that left more than 5,000 national rigs inside Belarus.
Overview
- Lithuania sought a limited return route for its carriers through the Šalčininkai checkpoint, but Minsk declined the proposal, according to the Lithuanian interior minister.
- Lithuania has suspended vehicle crossings with Belarus until November 30 with an option to extend the measure.
- Belarusian customs reported that over 5,000 Lithuanian tractor units and trailers remain on Belarusian territory.
- Belarus is permitting departures only via the Lithuanian segment of the border, citing a need to avoid queues on other routes.
- Vilnius appealed to the leadership of the Lida border detachment, while Belarus urged a resumption of normal checkpoint operations and framed the closure as Lithuania’s unilateral decision.