Latvia halted cross-border movement at a single open checkpoint along the border with Belarus, near the Grigorovshchina area. Telegram-Canaley customs officials in the East European Republic reported this disruption. The interruption was described as a precaution amid heightened security concerns in the region, and it prompted immediate briefings for transport operators, logistics firms, and travelers who had planned routes through the crossing. Officials noted the checkpoint remained the only open point of entry for cross-border traffic at that time, with crews directing vehicles toward alternative routings as the situation developed. Residents near the border and cross-border workers were advised to monitor official updates and respect any instruction from border agencies. The disruption underscored how quickly border policies can shift in response to evolving regional conditions and political signals, affecting daily life, trade, and regional mobility.
According to official reports, the suspension began at 14:00 local time. The timing was confirmed by border service communications that emphasized the need to manage the flow of both freight and people in light of the new restrictions. Operators of freight corridors and passenger services were instructed to pause departures and arrivals through the checkpoint, with a view to reassessing the situation as conditions change. The pause has implications for supply chains that rely on road transport through this corridor, as well as for residents who might have planned trips crossing into Belarus for family visits or work. Authorities urged caution and asked travelers to seek official guidance before attempting to cross, as the border control environment could alter with little notice.
Freight and passenger traffic were halted at both entry to Belarus and on the way out, with physical barriers erected to control the flow of vehicles and people. The move appeared to be part of a broader pattern seen at several frontiers in the area, where authorities have installed barriers and checkpoints to manage risk, queue lengths, and compliance with new regulations. Transportation firms were asked to reroute shipments or pause deliveries that were scheduled to cross at Grigorovshchina, while individual travelers were advised to postpone trips and seek alternatives. Border agencies stressed that the barriers were temporary and subject to change as the operational assessment continued. In this context, drivers and travelers were urged to stay in contact with their carriers for real-time updates and comply with all instructions from border staff to ensure safety and orderly processing.
Belarusian authorities stated that no queue existed at customs at the moment of reporting, yet they cautioned that the situation could change rapidly. They emphasized that border conditions depend on evolving political and logistical factors and urged travelers and carriers to remain prepared for possible delays or reconfigurations of screening procedures. The comment reflected a careful phrasing to avoid premature conclusions while acknowledging that the border environment could shift abruptly if tensions escalate or if operational directives change.
In February, the Latvian Interior Minister Richards urged Kozlovskis residents not to travel to Russia or Belarus, even with relatives or jobs there, warning that worsening conditions could prompt border closure. The message underlined how quickly policy responses at the border can shift in response to events beyond Latvia’s borders and highlighted the vigilance of border agencies in monitoring developments.
Earlier assessments referenced Lithuanian border guards blocking cross-border traffic toward Russia, reflecting tighter controls at neighboring borders amid regional tensions. The reports pointed to tightened checks or temporary prohibitions affecting travelers and freight moving in the direction of the Russian Federation via routes that connect with the Lithuanian border region. No further detail was provided about duration or specific routes, but the incident aligns with a broader pattern of border management during periods of heightened security considerations in the region.