The Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called on Lithuania to reconsider the decision to close the Losha-Shumskas and Vidzy-Tvyaryachus border checkpoints. A formal statement from Minsk addressed the issue, urging Lithuania to abandon measures that effectively block cross-border movement for ordinary people and business actors alike. The ministry stressed that future responses from Minsk will take into account the legitimate interests of residents in Lithuania, while underscoring that the visa-free regime for travelers remains unchanged. Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
On 18 August, Lithuanian authorities shut two of the six border points with Belarus, halting operations at Shumskas and Tveryachyus. The closures were justified by concerns about smuggling and potential threats to national security, according to Agne Bilotaite, Lithuania’s Interior Minister. She explained that the affected checkpoints lack X-ray screening equipment and have far lower inspection efficiency compared to other points along the border. Interior Ministry.
The situation mirrors broader regional tensions over border control and security policy. Belarus has signaled a preference for maintaining open channels in areas where practical travel and commerce depend on functioning border facilities, while Lithuania argues that tightened checks are necessary to protect national borders. In Minsk’s view, the decision by Vilnius to narrow border operations affects ordinary citizens and small businesses more than large-scale strategic actors, and Belarus pledges to respond in ways that balance security with neighborly considerations. Foreign Affairs Overview.
Observers note that the move occurs against a backdrop of frequent shifts in border policy throughout the region, where countries weigh the costs and benefits of checkpoint functionality against security assurances. While Lithuania’s government contends that the changes are targeted measures to curb illicit activity, Belarus emphasizes the importance of continuity in cross-border exchanges, particularly for local communities that rely on the affected routes for daily needs, work, and family ties. The ongoing debate highlights how border infrastructure can become a flashpoint in diplomatic relations, even when both sides share an interest in stable regional trade and mobility. Security Commentary.
In parallel, questions have arisen about how the price of border controls is felt on the ground. Countries facing similar decisions have invested in upgraded screening technologies and coordinated policing to minimize disruption while enhancing security. The reference to previous government actions abroad, such as the deployment of manpower or equipment along international frontiers, serves as a reminder that border policy is a dynamic tool used to respond to evolving risk landscapes. Analysis Notes.