Now at least 12 buses depart from Vilnius to Minsk every day, as Lithuanian portal Delfi.lt specifies. Despite the warnings of the authorities, many passengers continue to travel quietly to Belarus. Some are visiting relatives, others are traveling or solving household issues.
Meanwhile, neighboring Latvia is already preparing tougher measures. Earlier, Logos Press reported that the country was discussing a project to completely ban bus travel to Belarus and Russia. Latvian authorities explain the initiative by the need to protect citizens from possible threats from authoritarian regimes.
“The Baltic States must act in concert“
Lithuanian politician Laurynas Kasciunas believes that the Baltic States should act in concert. “If Latvia tightens restrictions and Lithuania does not, we may become a weak link,” he warned.
At the same time, Lithuanian Transport Minister Eugenius Sabutis does not see the need for a complete ban yet. According to him, the number of routes between Lithuania and Belarus has already been reduced by almost half, and this, according to the ministry, is enough to control the situation.
“As long as the relevant services do not recommend other measures, we see no reason to restrict the freedom of movement of people,” said the minister.
However, the authorities’ concern is growing amid new cases of detained foreigners being used in Belarusian propaganda. Politicians and security services continue to warn: a trip to Belarus today may turn out not only in checks at the border, but also in serious risks, especially in a tense geopolitical situation.
