Lithuanian Truckers Protest Border Closure Amid Escalating Tensions with Belarus

Truckers Demand Reopening of Belarus Border

On November 15, 2025, Lithuanian freight carriers staged a protest in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, to voice their opposition to the government's decision to close the border with neighboring Belarus. The protesting truckers cited substantial business losses as the primary reason for their demonstration, calling for the immediate reopening of the border. Approximately two dozen company owners participated in the peaceful protest, with their trucks adorned with balloons to symbolize their plight. Vitaly Gigevich, head of the transport and logistics company Kelruva, emphasized that the demonstration aimed to show authorities that 'there are real people' suffering due to the closure.

Lithuania's Rationale: 'Hybrid Attacks' and Contraband Balloons

The Lithuanian government's decision to close the border stems from what it describes as a series of 'hybrid attacks' orchestrated by Belarus. On October 29, 2025, the Lithuanian Cabinet of Ministers announced the closure of the border until at least November 30, 2025. This measure was taken in response to a 'massive influx of weather balloons carrying contraband'—primarily cigarettes—from Belarus, which repeatedly disrupted operations at Vilnius and Kaunas airports. Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Rūginienė characterized these incidents as 'deliberate provocation' and a threat to civil aviation, asserting that Lithuania would not tolerate such actions. The last two operational border crossing points, Medininkai and Šalčininkai, were affected, with Šalčininkai ceasing operations entirely. Medininkai remains open only for limited categories, including diplomats, those transiting to or from Russia's Kaliningrad region, and EU citizens.

Economic Fallout and Stranded Vehicles

The border closure has inflicted severe economic consequences on the Lithuanian transport sector. The National Road Hauliers' Association of Lithuania (Linava) estimates potential annual losses could reach up to 1 billion Euros if the border remains closed. Thousands of Lithuanian trucks, reportedly between 1,100 and 1,300 vehicles, are currently stranded in Belarus. These trucks are carrying a diverse range of goods, from food and medicine to industrial equipment, leading to concerns about spoilage and significant financial setbacks for companies. Oleg Tarasov, Vice President of Linava, described the situation as 'close to a catastrophe,' warning that Lithuanian carriers are losing contracts to competitors from Poland and Latvia.

Belarusian Retaliation and Diplomatic Stalemate

The Belarusian government has vehemently criticized Lithuania's actions. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko denounced the border closure as a 'mad scam' and part of a 'hybrid war' against his country. He has also threatened to seize the stranded Lithuanian trucks if Lithuania does not reopen the border. While Belarus has moved the stranded vehicles to designated parking areas and allowed drivers to return home for humanitarian reasons, the trucks themselves remain in Belarus. Belarusian Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov has accused Lithuania of pursuing an 'anti-Belarusian policy' and has expressed Belarus's readiness for negotiations to restore normal border functioning. However, Lithuania has refused to engage in negotiations under Belarus's conditions. Further complicating the situation, Poland announced plans to reopen two border checkpoints with Belarus on November 17, a move that Lithuanian carriers view as a 'low blow' that will divert even more cargo traffic away from Lithuania.