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Why did Lithuania close its border with Belarus in the first place?
Lithuania closed its border crossings with Belarus in late October due to disruptions caused by weather balloons, which Lithuania believes were deliberately orchestrated by Belarus. These balloon incidents were linked to hybrid threats like smuggling and airspace violations, prompting Lithuania to take security measures.
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What prompted Lithuania to reopen the border now?
Lithuania reopened its border crossings after a month-long closure to ease stranded trucks and reduce regional tensions. The move also aligns with efforts by neighboring Poland, which recently reopened its crossings with Belarus. However, Lithuania remains cautious and has warned of re-closure if airspace violations happen again.
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Are there still tensions between Lithuania and Belarus?
Yes, tensions remain high. Belarus's President Lukashenko dismissed the border closures as a 'crazy scam' and accused the West of hybrid warfare. Lithuania continues to monitor the situation closely, especially regarding potential airspace violations and smuggling activities, which could lead to future closures.
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Could the border close again soon?
There is a possibility of the border closing again if Belarus or other actors engage in activities that threaten regional security, such as airspace violations or smuggling. Lithuania has made it clear that it will re-close the border if necessary to protect its borders and security interests.
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What is the regional impact of these border tensions?
The border tensions between Lithuania and Belarus are part of broader regional issues involving Russia, NATO, and neighboring countries. The situation affects regional stability, security policies, and diplomatic relations, especially as countries like Poland also adjust their border policies in response to similar threats.