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Lukashenko responds to Lithuanian outcry over trucks stranded in Belarus

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MINSK, 9 December (BelTA) – Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko commented on the situation with Lithuanian trucks that remained stranded in Belarus after Vilnius closed the border during a meeting of the Security Council in Minsk on 9 December, BelTA has learned.

Aleksandr Lukashenko noted that Lithuania is now “starting to kick up a fuss” about the vehicles that remained stranded in Belarus after Vilnius closed the border. “If they [the vehicles] are left abandoned by the roadside, maybe that’s normal in Lithuania. For us, it is unacceptable. We have moved them to guarded parking lots and are providing security so no one can break into them and the cargo is preserved,” the president emphasized. “There is no need to kick up a fuss and make a noise about it. There is no need to involve Americans, Russians, or Ukrainians. That trick won’t work. This issue is solely a subject for our bilateral talks and relations.”

The head of state assured that Belarus is ready to foster normal relations in all areas. “We can always come to an agreement with the people of Lithuania. Just like with the Poles. They are our people. And if you want normal relations, then come to the negotiating table and discuss these issues. We are ready for that. There are no other options,” the Belarusian leader said.

At the same time, the head of state added, Belarus is even ready to purchase the perishable cargo. As for the truck drivers, the necessary conditions for their stay have been created in Belarus. “We are doing everything to ensure things are normal. We are doing everything to ensure that things are normal. But they [the Lithuanian side] are scheming and demanding their trucks back,” he stated.

“I am deeply engaged in this issue, and what worries me most is why they are doing this. It would be wrong to call them fools. There are many smart people thinking this through. If they are trying to provoke some kind of conflict here, it is unlikely they will succeed,” Aleksandr Lukashenko believes.

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