The Belarusian leader commented on Lithuania’s State Security Department’s intention to close two more crossings at its border with Belarus:
“We understand the concerns of Lithuania’s security services. However, closing border crossings for passengers is treating the symptoms, not the root of the problem. The closure will primarily affect Belarusians, the majority of whom stand against Lukashenka and with Ukraine. There is no need to build an iron curtain. After all, the only possible beneficiaries of Belarus’ isolation are Lukashenka and Putin. For many Belarusians, the border with Lithuania is their only connection to the free world. And for some, it’s the only chance to escape repression.
Of course, regime collaborators may be among those arriving. We should identify them. Many Belarusian initiatives have already been doing this independently, as in the case of Matsievich, and sharing data with the Lithuanian side. The verification system can be reviewed, and we can offer assistance with this.
The ones who must be isolated are Lukashenka and his regime, not Belarusians. What must be restricted is cargo transportation, and primarily flows of trade in sanctioned goods. Passenger travel must be preserved”.
