Lithuania responds to Zapad-2025 threat: Foreign ministry on possible border closure
Illustrative photo: Lithuania's border with Belarus (Getty Images)
Lithuania is ready to close its border with Belarus over provocations during the Zapad-2025 drills, according to a statement by Lithuanian Interior Minister Vladislav Kondratovich, quoted by the LRT television channel.
The official noted that Lithuanian border guards are prepared to immediately shut the border with Belarus in the event of any provocations related to the joint Russian-Belarusian military exercises.
"At any time, if there is any provocation, border guards have the option of closing the border. After that, the government would decide on a longer closure period after assessing the whole situation," Kondratovich said.
He also explained that Lithuania has not yet closed all border checkpoints with Belarus, unlike Poland, due to the need to ensure that EU citizens can cross the border.
At the same time, experts believe that any unexpected actions by Russia or Belarus at the border could force Lithuania to react as quickly as possible in order to prevent escalation and ensure the security of the state.
It should be recalled that Poland temporarily closed its border with Belarus over the start of the large-scale Zapad-2025 exercises, which began on Friday, September 12, when Moscow and Minsk launched joint military operations.
It was reported that the suspension of movement applies in both directions – both for exit from Poland to Belarus and entry into Poland. The restrictions affect road transport as well as freight trains.
Three railway border crossings for freight transport were also closed: Kuznia Bialostocka–Hrodna, Siemianowka–Svislach, and Terespol–Brest.
