The move is triggered by escalating security concerns linked to the presence of Wagner Group mercenaries in Belarus.
An advisor to the Minister of Transportation and Communications verified the impending closure date for the border crossings in the towns of Shumsk and Tveretch, adding that traffic from these points will be redirected to the checkpoint in Medniki.
The Lithuanian authorities' moves also seeks to limit tourism and shopping-related visits by Lithuanian citizens to Belarus. Recent statistics from the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry indicate a significant influx of approximately 230,000 Lithuanians into Belarus since the start of the year, largely attributed to the visa-free regime established in Minsk a year prior.
The Lithuanian Foreign Ministry also underscored that Belarusian border services have allegedly engaged in surveillance of Lithuanian citizens at the border. Similarly, Belarusians journeying to Lithuania have reportedly been involved in activities aimed at monitoring specific sites and troop movements, according to the Lithuanian authority.