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Lithuania has sealed its border with Belarus in response to reports of Russian mercenaries from the Wagner private militia being present in Belarus. The closure comes after the Lithuanian government announced on Wednesday that two rural crossing points would be closed starting from Friday. The presence of the Wagner Group mercenaries in Belarus was not explicitly mentioned as the reason for the closure, but the government cited the evolving geopolitical situation, national security threats, and smuggling concerns.

Interior Minister Agne Bilotaite confirmed that all border points with Belarus are now completely closed, with exceptions for certain humanitarian or diplomatic crossings. The minister did not rule out the possibility of closing the border crossings with Russia as well. Top security officials have been discussing various options, including the closure of the border with Russia.

Bilotaite emphasized that Lithuania is constantly facing threats from its neighboring region but assured that her country is prepared to address these challenges. As a NATO member, Lithuania has heavily invested in its defenses and wants its people to feel assured that they have support. The security of the nation remains a top priority.

Commander of the State Border Guard Service (VSAT), Saulius Nekrasevicius, reported that there have been no incidents at the checkpoints following the closure of the border with Belarus. The closure of Lithuania’s border aligns with reports that the Baltic countries and Poland are discussing the complete closure of borders with Belarus. The details of this closure will be finalized during a meeting in Warsaw on August 28.

Polish President Andrzej Duda and Latvian counterpart Edgars Rinkevics emphasized the critical importance of security and the situation at the Belarus border during their meeting in Poland on Wednesday.

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