Lithuania to Reopen Two Belarus Border Crossings After Balloon Incursions

Overview

• The cabinet approved reopening the Medininkai and Šalčininkai checkpoints on Thursday after several quiet weeks without major airspace violations.
• Lithuania had shut the crossings in late October following Vilnius airport disruptions caused by cigarette‑smuggling balloons that officials blame on Russia‑aligned Belarus.
• Technical talks between Lithuanian and Belarusian customs officials took place Tuesday, and Poland reopened two of its own crossings with Belarus earlier this week.
• Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko said up to 1,200 vehicles were stuck in his country, threatened to seize them, and denounced the closure as part of a hybrid war.
• Lithuania cautioned it could close the border again if balloon or drone incursions resume, with the prime minister saying authorities reserve the right to act at any time.