Business news

PM: Vilnius will ask Minsk to allow stranded trucks to return to Lithuania

An archive photo

MINSK, 5 November (BelTA) - Vilnius will approach Minsk with a request to allow stranded trucks to return to Lithuania, Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė said following today's government meeting, Lithuanian media report.

After approximately 5,000 Lithuanian trucks and semi-trailers became stranded in Belarus, the country's carriers demanded that the Lithuanian government take urgent measures in response to the critical situation following the border closure with Belarus. The Lithuanian National Road Carriers' Association (LINAVA) sent a letter to the prime minister demanding action. It was pointed out that the border closure could affect 35,000 people and heighten social tension within the industry. The letter urged the prime minister to respond no later than 5 November 2025.

“I have not heard any ultimatum from the carriers, at least, it was not explicitly stated. But yesterday, a meeting with transport organizations was held at the Ministry of the Interior, and today it was decided to approach Belarus to arrange for the return of Lithuanian trucks home,” Inga Ruginienė told journalists.

The process is already underway, negotiations are being held. We will see what the result will be, she stated adding that "the border itself will remain closed."

Lithuanian Interior Minister Vladislav Kondratovich said the government's decision to close the border for one month will not be softened, although additional possibilities are being considered for those who already fall under existing exceptions.

Earlier, LINAVA did not rule out warning protests if the Lithuanian government fails to resolve the situation on the border with Belarus. Representatives of the association held an internal meeting on 2 November to discuss the current situation. LINAVA Vice President Oleg Tarasov also stated that the only way to solve the problem is to open the border with Belarus.

Last week, Lithuania closed the two remaining border checkpoints with Belarus for one month. Traffic through the Šalčininkai checkpoint has been completely suspended. Operations at the Medininkai checkpoint are limited. Exceptions apply to diplomats, individuals traveling in accordance with simplified transit documents, Lithuanian citizens and their families returning home, EU citizens with family members, and foreigners holding a residence permit in Lithuania or a humanitarian visa.

print version

make home page

add to bookmarks