Tensions between Lithuania and Belarus escalated further after Minsk threatened to confiscate hundreds of Lithuanian lorries trapped across the border following Vilnius’s decision to close several crossing points.

As reported by bne IntelliNews, in the worst case scenariom, losses to Lithuania’s transport sector are estimated at around €1bn.

Hauliers say they have been left with vehicles and staff stranded for weeks. “We are waiting for a decision from the government to allow us to go to Belarus. We have seven semi-trailers stuck in Belarus, seven lorries are standing there, and the drivers are living in their cabs,” said Vitalijus Gigevicius, head of the logistics firm Kelruva, independent Lithuanian news agency BNS and public broadcaster LRT.lt reported on November 10.

Business owners warn that losses already run into millions, with ripple effects across the wider transport sector. 

The border shutdown prompted Minsk to ban Lithuanian and Polish-registered lorries from its roads. According to Linava, which represents Lithuanian hauliers, about 1,000 trucks and several thousand trailers remain stuck. Attempts by Vilnius to negotiate their release have so far failed.

Lithuanian officials have ruled out reopening the crossings, saying that incidents involving smuggling balloons have decreased. 

Analysts warn that trade routes using Belarusian territory to access goods bound for Lithuania may now bypass the country altogether.

Experts note that sanctions only bite when neighbouring countries act together. If Latvia and Poland do not follow Lithuania’s lead, the pressure on Minsk will remain weak while domestic businesses bear the cost.

Poland is preparing to reopen its border with Belarus in mid-November, BNS and LRT.lt said.