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Carriers Say 2,000 Trucks Stranded After Lithuania Shuts Belarus Crossings

Carriers say the security-driven shutdown after cigarette‑laden balloon incursions is stranding freight worth tens of millions of euros.

This is not the first time Lithuania has closed border crossings with Belarus in respons to 'hybrid attacks'

Overview

  • Lithuania closed its last two border crossings with Belarus until November 30 after balloon incursions disrupted Vilnius and Kaunas airports.
  • The European Union has condemned the incursions as a hybrid attack.
  • Linava, the Lithuanian road carriers’ association, reports about 2,000 trucks stuck in Belarus and says Belarusian authorities are not letting Lithuanian vehicles leave the border area.
  • The association estimates roughly €60 million in assets are immobilized, with possible monthly losses of about €18 million.
  • Linava criticized the government for not consulting carriers before the closure, noting earlier shutdowns of four crossings in 2023–24 and limited reopenings on the Polish side.