Lukashenko threatens to seize stranded Lithuanian trucks
Alexander Lukashenko threatened to confiscate Lithuanian trucks (Photo: Sputnik/Sergey Bobylev/Pool via REUTERS)
Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko threatened to confiscate around 1,100 Lithuanian trucks stranded in his country after Vilnius closed its border crossings, claiming they are under Belarusian "protection" and demanding €120 ($139) daily fees per vehicle, the state-run BelTA news agency reported on Nov. 10.
Lithuania requested the return of its trucks stuck in Belarus, Lukashenko claimed.
"I didn't even finish listening to the report. I said: fine, as soon as they're ready to evacuate, they'll coordinate with our side," the Belarusian dictator said.
“We basically have no customs officers or border guards at the checkpoint anymore. Closed — closed. Our services have been redistributed to other sections — that was my decision.”
By Lukashenko's order and under the state security council's guidance, interior ministry agencies collected all Lithuanian trucks at the checkpoints and "took them under protection."
According to the dictator, the matter involves 1,100 or 1,200 "huge" trucks. He threatened to confiscate them if Lithuania does not pay for their protection.
"The vehicles are gathered and standing under protection," Lukashenko said.
“Those guarding them asked, I think, €120 per day. They've been paid for the protection. Multiply by the number of days they stand — pay and take your vehicles with cargo.”
The self-proclaimed president says drivers will be delivered directly to the border checkpoint, while cargo recipients in Lithuania should approach their authorities to resolve the issues.
The dictator also claims Belarus "exports almost nothing" through the Lithuanian border due to sanctions. He announced upcoming talks with a U.S. delegation on the matter.
Lithuania's government decided on Oct. 29 to close the Medininkai and Šalčininkai border checkpoints with Belarus for a month due to an increase in incidents involving balloons entering from the Belarusian side.
Until now, the Medininkai and Šalčininkai crossings were the only ones allowing entry from Belarus to Lithuania or vice versa. The Lavoriškės and Raigardas checkpoints were closed in 2024, and two others in 2023.
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