Lithuania will keep its remaining border crossings with Belarus open for now to avoid creating difficulties for EU citizens in the country, but the State Border Guard chief has authority to shut them immediately in the event of a provocation, incoming Interior Minister Vladislav Kondratovič told LRT radio on Friday.
“At any time, if there is any provocation, border guards have the option of closing the border. After that, the government would decide on a longer closure period after assessing the whole situation. But if something happens – a drone, a provocation, or suspicious troop movements – we can do it,” he said.
Kondratovič explained that Lithuania had not yet followed Poland in closing all border points with Belarus, citing concerns for EU citizens still in the country.
"The closure of the Polish border has caused a great deal of anxiety among European Union citizens who were in Belarus and did not manage to leave. There is drama there too. If we close the border here, they will be in despair," he said.
Poland has temporarily closed its border with Belarus due to the Russian-Belarusian military drill Zapad 2025 beginning on Friday.
Lithuania’s armed forces have assessed that the risk of an attack on the country or NATO remains low, though provocations are considered possible.
Vilnius previously closed the Lavoriškės, Raigardas, Šumskas and Tverečius crossing points in 2023–24. Only Medininkai and Šalčininkai remain open on this border.
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