Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: KMZ Cargo – KMZ CARGO –
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Lithuanian authorities abandoned over a thousand commercial vehicles in their neighbor's territory. Belarus is now moving them to designated parking lots and is prepared to take "legal measures" until Vilnius reopens the border crossing.
Lithuania unilaterally closed two main border crossings with Belarus – Kamenny Log and Benyakoni – resulting in the de facto stranding of over 1,100 trucks with Lithuanian license plates within the country. Drivers and vehicles were forced to idle on access roads leading to the closed crossings.
The Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced measures in response to the current situation. To ensure the safety and security of vehicles, all stranded trucks will be moved to specially designated parking areas near the Kotlovka checkpoint. At the same time, the diplomatic agency stated that, for humanitarian reasons, drivers have been given the opportunity to leave Belarus and return to their permanent places of residence until Lithuania reopens the border. The Ministry also stated its readiness to provide the necessary assistance to drivers who, for whatever reason, are unable to leave.
Official Minsk places full responsibility for the events on the Lithuanian side. Statements from the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasize that all additional costs and logistical losses incurred by freight carriers, senders, and recipients in Lithuania and other European Union countries are a direct consequence of the ill-considered and politicized decisions of the Lithuanian authorities. The Belarusian side reserves the right to apply all legal measures against any transport remaining on its territory.
Previously, Belarusian authorities repeatedly stated that they posed no obstacles to the return of Lithuanian trucks. Minsk's position was that traffic would resume on a first-come, first-served basis immediately after Lithuania reopened the border. Meanwhile, Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė confirmed that Vilnius intends to ask Minsk to consider the possibility of returning the vehicles and drivers. She also made it clear that the border itself would remain closed until November 30, 2025, a deadline that could be extended.
The Lithuanian government's decision to close the border was motivated by efforts to combat smuggling on the Belarusian side. In response, Belarus imposed counter-restrictions on the passage of trucks and tractor-trailers registered in Lithuania through its territory. According to a Belarusian government decree, these vehicles may enter and exit only through the Belarusian-Lithuanian border, and all cargo operations, re-unions, and refueling must be carried out exclusively in designated areas. These restrictions will remain in effect until December 31, 2027.
As a reminder, Lithuanian National Radio and Television LRT previously reported that Lithuania was initiating negotiations with Belarus on the return of approximately 500 Lithuanian trucks blocked on Belarusian territory through the closed Šalčininkai border crossing. LR
Publication date: 11/10/2025
Please note; this information is raw content obtained directly from the information source. It is an accurate account of what the source claims, and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.